Tanis warily observed the human teen they had found living in the ruins of Solace. She was odd, of that he was certain- maybe even completely insane. But is she dangerous, he asked himself. Shaking his head, he continued down the trail with the group, paranoia and benefit of the doubt causing indecision in his already occupied mind. He would think about her later.
Tasslehoff hadn't seen the mysterious girl approach him, which was something quite shocking to the kender as he felt someone poke his shoulder.
Turning around, he was greeted by a gaunt, oval face full of mischief and innocence. He hadn't the slightest clue what to make of her.
"You're Tasslehoff, right?" she said, her voice somewhat faint. He nodded, trying not to appear fondling of her; when Goldmoon had approached her, she shrank from the cleric's touch, fire in her eyes. Tas's thoughts were interrupted when she spoke again.
"I'm Juniper," she said, smiling. It was lopsided, not quite fitting her face. Tas decided then that he liked this mysterious girl. He smiled back, sticking out his hand. She took his hand in hers and, her grin becoming dark and disturbing, pulled him against her.
"Whoops," she whispered innocently in his ear. "I tripped."
The kender wasn't so sure of this. Stumbling awkwardly, they started to pull away from each other. But not before she laughed softly and ever so slightly stroked his rear end. He startled, swearing loudly.
Juniper fell forward when he jumped, landing right in his arms. Gently pushing her away, he gained his balance, and then supported the girl so she could stand.
"Everything okay?" Caramon called, fearing the kender had done something. A laugh, rusty and creaky as an old axe, was their response.
"Sorry," called the young human girl, "I can be such a klutz."
As they continued walking, Juniper turned and looked at Tasslehoff and-
Dear Gods, Tas thought. She winked!
Other than a few innocent glances, Juniper didn't even acknowledge the kender after that. Shaking his head, Tas decided he was safest standing beside Tanis.
~Later~
At camp that night, Tanis saw the clumsy human girl approach Tasslehoff. A smile he didn't like was on her face, sinister and amused. He would talk to the kender later.
Near the middle of the night, Tasslehoff Burrfoot approached Tanis cautiously, eyeing the darkness around him. Gently tapping the half-elf on the back, he tried to appear inconspicuous.
"Tanis," he whispered. Turning abruptly, Tanis sighed with relief when he saw Tas.
"What's wrong, Tas?" he said softly, disturbed by the kender's reluctance. Looking around, the lithe kender leaned forward.
"I think Juniper is going to kill me."
"WHAT?!" he nearly screamed.
"Shhhhh!" Tas shushed him quickly, eyes flashing around. After a few seconds, he continued. "She said that...um...that she was going to tie me up," he whispered. "And then, she-" swallowing, he continued, looking at his feet awkwardly. "She said she was going to hit me."
"Is that exactly what she said?" asked Tanis.
"Well, um, she actually said she was going to whip me, and then she started saying something about, well, syrup. Why is that?" he asked innocently.
Tanis was glad it was dark, so that Tas couldn't see him blushing.
"Err, Tas," he started reluctantly, "she isn't going to kill you. If she talks to you again about...this... then tell me, alright?" he said softly.
"Well, if you really trust in her, Tanis, I do too, but...can we make Caramon guard my tent?"
Smiling, Tanis wondered what the big oaf would say to this. What a story he'd have for wine night.
*_*