Xannick follows the sound, his ears ringing painfully and his heart clenching. Never before had a single noise affected him more profoundly. He swore, that if he could make it stop now, he would never again be the cause of it. Carefully, he approached the tree in which she was perched and called out to her. "Aderyn?"

She stopped for a moment. Hearing the familiar voice. The jumped from the tree, flapping down to him. Averting her gaze, Aderyn stared at her feet. She wasn't crying, but she was close to it. The noise she was making was a call to her mother, though she doubted her mother could hear it.

"eggs..." She spoke softly and shakily.

Xannick bit his lip, feeling more ashamed than he ever had in his life. He ran a hand through his hair and bent to one knee so that he could look her in the eye. "Yes....eggs....i'd never really thought much about it before.....but I guess it's kinda like murder....isn't it?"

She nodded. Looking him in his eyes. "Xannick...egg?" She wondered at him. Aderyn's plump lips formed a small 'o' after she asked him.

Mama came in the some bacon and fruits and said to Dustfinger "Where's Xannick at?"

"Talking to Aderyn." Dustfinger smirked. "I figured he'd be the one to handle this one." Mama nodded and put the plates down for him. Dustfinger began to dig in.

Xannick raised an eyebrow in confusion. "Um.....yes.....egg....." He wasn't quite sure what she was asking him and being as awkward with words as he was he settled with giving her a look that said 'I'm completely lost'.

Aderyn looked at him as if to say "how do you not know?"

"Xannick....from egg....yes?" She smiled a bit, happy that she was able to make it more clear for the Half Goblin. A light blush had formed on her normally pale cheeks.

Xannick frowned for a moment and then realization formed on his face. "You think that I.....?" he shook his head and sighed. "No, I didn;t come from and egg."

"Then where..." Aderyn was thoroughly confused. Didn't everyone come from eggs? "Xannick...." Aderyn bit her lower lip in thought. She tweet to herself, trying to figure out how Xannick came to be.

"Xannick, not egg? How born?"

Xannick sighed again and sat down, crossing his legs. He beckoned for her to sit and then tried to explain. "Not....all creatures....come from eggs......a lot of us......come from our mothers..."

Some of the other performers laughed as they saw the scene unfold in front of them.

Aderyn looked only more confused. "I have mother..." Her voice was a bit stern. Aderyn sat in front of the half goblin. "But from egg." A light breeze began to pick up. Aderyn enjoyed the feel of it on her skin.

Xannick growled in frustration at how inept he was when it came to talking. "No...i mean.....your mother laid and egg...my mother...." he paused, unsure of how to explain, "I cam out of my mother as a baby....not an egg...."

Aderyn clasped her hand over her moth with a gasp. "No Shell!?" She couldn't imagine surviving without a shell to protect you during birth. Aderyn's face changed then to that of admiration.

"So strong!!!!" Her face inches away from his, eyes wide with amazement. "Xannick so strong!!!"

Xannick blinked, unsure of what he said to warrant such admiration. He leaned back a little, her proximity to his face making him feel somewhat uncomfortable. "Um....well.....that's how....most babies are born..." He hoped that she understood, because he wasn't sure he could explain much better without resorting to crude methods.

"What?" Aderyn seemed shocked. Of course now she felt a silly. "oh....." She looked down, her shoulders sinking. "Aderyn....weak?" She looked up again. Wondering if she really was not that strong because she was born in a shell.

Xannick's eyes widened and he shook his head rapidly. "No....you're not weak Aderyn......that's just how your people are born.......not weak....just different...."

"Truth?" She looked semi-hopeful. The blush on her face got a bit darker. She smiled a bit to herself. Aderyn took in the breeze again and yawned. She tired herself out the past day or so. She leaned on Xannick and fell asleep.

Xannick sighed and allowed her to fall asleep, looking ruefully down at his empty, growling stomach.

Dustfinger found Xannick, a bit of jealousy crossed his face quickly when he saw Aderyn leaning on Xannick. He had brought Xannick his breakfast.

"Eat up Prince Charming." Dustfinger smiled his trademark smile. "Enjoying the little lady's company, I see." Dustfinger laughed a little.

Xannick growled and made a rather crude gesture to the fire eater involving the middle finger of his right hand as he accepted the plate. "You didn't just have to explain the miracle of non-egg birth to her."

"You don't seem to remember I have had experience in that field. I DO have kids you know." Well, he HAD two. Dustfinger felt a twinge of pain when he thought of his girls. He missed them both but at the same time he knew that for Brianna it would never be the same. He didn't want to think about the other. He pushed the thoughts from his mind.

The fire juggler smiled at Aderyn. "She's a cutie. I have to say."

Xannick nodded resisting the urge to bait Dustfinger on the subject of his daughters. He devoured the contents of his plate and sighed as his grouchiness faded with his hunger. "Speaking of your former life.....why aren't you with Roxane....I thought she didn't like you traveling around."

"That's part of it. And the fact that she remarried, and I just didn't....fit in I guess." Dustfinger felt a bit bitter. She touched Aderyn's hair gently. He didn't really like talking about Roxanne either. He though he'd already explained to Xannick how it was.

"Even after her second husband died, I just couldn't take it. I love her yes, but..." He sighed, looking up at the sky "That and dying. A lot has changed."

Xannick sighed and looked a little guilty. "Sorry....i didn't mean to prod your wounds.....I forgot that you....died..." The half-breed rolled his shoulders as though he had a kink, something he always did when he felt uncomfortable.

Dustfinger flashed Xannick a cheeky grin. "It's okay." Aderyn moved a bit, nuzzling her face into Xannick's neck. Dustfinger watched. "If I had known she'd be leaning on you, I would've taken care of explaining the egg thing myself!" Dustfinger laughed.

Xannick smirked, but there was still an awkward edge to it, making this moment one of the few in which it was obvious that Dustfinger was quite a bit older than him. He looked down at the sleeping girl and tentatively put arm around her. "I'm not sure that would have been a good thing....you would have traumatized her"

"I would not have! I am much better with words than you are." Dustfinger shot Xannick a dejected glance. Aderyn sighed, content to be against Xannick. Dustfinger sighed "How did it go" A few more performers walked by, some practicing, some not.

Xannick's long ears twitched and he shrugged. "I think she understood......i'm never eating eggs again....that's for sure"

"I could hear her from the tent. She sounded so......I can't even put it into words. I think we're both off of eggs for awhile." Dustfinger sighed and leaned back, staring off into space.

Aderyn started to stir. Her eyelids fluttered.

Xannick nodded and then looked down at her, hearing the change in her breath. He didn't know what compelled him to, but he reached out to stroke her downy hair, enjoying the feeling of it against his fingers.

Aderyn's emerald eyes slowly open with Xannick's touch. She smiled warmly at him. Her eyes seemed to look at him with this, adoration. Aderyn didn't mind waking up to him. She touched his hand with her wing gingerly. Aderyn didn't get up just yet. She saw Dustfinger and smiled too, then looked up at Xannick once more, that same look in her eyes.

Dustfinger was laying down, so he didn't see her smile at him. He just enjoyed the clouds.

Xannick's mismatched eyes widened slightly at the look she was giving him and a light blush spread over his dusky skin. He had received looks from girls and guys in his life, ranging from 'damn you're hot' to 'do me now!' but never had any of them looked at him the way the bird was looking at him right now.

His eyes darted down to his lap, his entire being radiating 'I don't know what to do'

Aderyn found his eyes again. She cooed affectionately "Xannick, blushing?" Despite not knowing him well, she had gathered that it was odd for him to do such a thing. The warmth and adoration remained in her eyes. Dustfinger rolled over, a light snore escaping him. It was a light sleep. The kind that left the person very aware of themselves.

Aderyn pressed her forehead to Xannick's with a giggle.

The half-breed bit his lip and allowed the contact to remain, unsure of what it was exactly that she wanted. He glanced at Dustfinger, and , picking up a small pebble, flicked at him so that it hit the redhead's cheek.

Aderyn back up and gave Xannick a confused look. "Xannick do not know affection?" She was used to being affectionate with friends and family where she is from. Everyone knows everyone. There is only safety.

Dustfinger grumbled and sat up "What?" He was having a nice nap too.

Xannick grunted, ducking his head and shaking in a negative. He hunched his shoulders and peered at her through his shaggy, silver hair. "Not a whole lot of it where I'm from."

Aderyn seemed slightly astonished. She gave him a look that said "that's so sad!" and hugged him.

Dustfinger laughed, having just come in on what was going on.

Xannick fell back a little due to her slight weight and looked completely dumbfounded. The look on his face seemed to say 'WHAT DO I DO?! WHAT DOES SHE WANT?! HELP ME!!!!'

Dustfinger "You told her about your lack of love in your childhood? In my travels, I have learned that Avians are used to affection like this." Dustfinger laughed, falling back again. "This is too much tough!"

Aderyn immediately pulled away, sensing the awkward energy. She felt guilty now.

Xannick glared at the juggler and then looked apologetically at Aderyn. "Sorry.....not.....used to that...don't feel bad...." He smiled at her as best he could, his green eye seeming to glow with a happiness that he wasn't quite sure he understood.

Aderyn saw the smile and blushed furiously. It was a wonderful sight for her to see.

Dustfinger slowly stopped laughing "chest...hurts..."

Aderyn darted away, jumping into the air with ease. Arms barely moving, she flew back to the tents and hid. It was too much for her. (DERP)

Dustfinger laughed at her hasty escape. "Xannick did you see that? One smile and her face was as red as a tomato! Imagine what would happen to the other girls...." The fire juggler thought for a moment.

"Nevermind that...YOU SMILED!" Dustfinger drove home the point of such a rare occasion.

Xannick growled at him, but, having been put in a somewhat playful mood, tackled Dustfinger like a puppy in play.

Dustfinger laughed on impact. He decided to try something. He kissed Xannick gingerly on the lips. Soon it became a bit more passionate, He devoured Xannick's lips like he might a lover. Running his fingers through silver hair.

"I find it funny that instead of following the lovely lady you've become infatuated with you stay here to play with me." Dustfinger chortled.

Xannick looked a bit sheepish. "......m'not infatuated with her" he mumbled, sounding like that immature teenager he had been when Dustfinger had first met him. "She.....confuses me...."

"She got you to blush, and smile. That's saying something." He kissed Xannick forehead. "It's alright. That's how women are, confusing." He kissed Xannick again. "I must say it's very cute when you blush."

Xannick smirked and nipped at the redhead's jaw. "Thank you oh wise sage....my problems are solved"

"You're welcome. That'll be fifty dollars" He referenced his life outside of inkworld with ease. He shuddered at the jaw nipping and stroked Xannick's cheek. "Well you have two ways to solve your problem. Find out more about her or settle on me." He laughed a little.

Xannick raised an eyebrow at the word dollars, but thought it better not to ask, lest Dustfinger lauch into another tale of his hallucination world. Instead he smirked "Is that an offer Dusty?"

"Possibly. It's more of a fork in the metaphorical road of life." He smiled crookedly. "I mean being with me is no cake walk." He laughed. "Of course if you don't go for her, I will."

Xannick frowned at him. "You know just what to say to infuriate people, but I can't stop you from doing what you will, though I can delay you..." He nipped at the man's collar bone, drawing the barest hint of blood.

"Oh, so you'd have a problem with it?" He moaned softly. "Then why not just go for it?" He nipped Xannick's lips before sitting up. "I mean. You can delay me but you can't seem to keep me." He poked fun.

Xannick smirked and went for a low blow, knowing full well how much this would hurt the juggler. "No......no one seems to be able to.....not even your wife..."

Dustfinger knew why Xannick was acting this way. He responded with a simple "Yes, and the way things are now I'm better off." He laughed and jogged off to the tents to do some daytime practice.

Xannick huffed in annoyance and flopped down on his back in the grass. He was being an ass and he knew, but for the life him he had no idea as to how to deal with these occurrances. He sighed and pulled himself to his feet so that he could be productive and practice.

Some of the girls and a few of the guys stopped to watch Xannick. They say down and awaited the show.

Dustfinger found Aderyn and pulled her out of hiding. "How about that date?" She gushed and nodded rapidly. "Alright."

He lead her out to a clearing where he knew they'd be alone and took his shirt off. Rubbing the grease on himself again, she watched him carefully. Lighting up staves, he started swinging them around him. His hips rocked with the movement. He gave Aderyn a smarmy flirting look and she blushed.

Xannick stretched himself out, bones cracking as he inadvertently showed just how flexible he was. He drilled his high class movements, his body still and poised like that of a ballet dancer.

He moved on to the more comfortable area of his craft. The kind of dancing that would take place in the streets of his hometown, ignoring the cooes and catcalls from various observers. The girl he wanted to see was not there, and he had a sneaking suspicion that he knew who she was with.

Aderyn was in fact with that person. Dustfinger's show only lasted a little while. He drew closer and closer to her, being careful of the flames. Soon they slowed and stopped, and he kissed her forehead. Her face shone bright red once more. "Did you enjoy that." He purred.

She nodded. They walked back together, and Aderyn heard the calls. She looked at Dustfinger, who nodded. She smiled and ran in the direction of the catcalling. She saw Xannick dancing and paused. Aderyn gushed and bolted over, taking a seat near the cluster.

Xannick twirled and moved like a wild thing, throwing his arms out and moving his hips in a way that could make anyone blush.

In the midst of a backflip he caught sight of Aderyn and almost lost his control. The entire crowd gasped when it seemed that the half-breed would fall and break something vital, but he caught himself just in time.

Aderyn joined in the gasps. She was really enjoying herself. She looked at the girls and saw them figeting, they seemed....aroused? Was that the word? She didn't blame them. Xannick was handsome.

Xannick finished his dance and hopped off the stage, looking irritated with himself for messing up.

Aderyn gush and twittered and chirped all sorts of happy sounds. She couldn't get through the crowd that decided to mob him and shower him with compliments and offers for sex. Still, she took pleasure in seeing him perform.

Xannick raised an eyebrow at them and elbowed his way out of the crowd. They gushing always made him feel slightly uncomfortable. He made his way over to the bird girl, still looking somewhat annoyed. "Sorry that wasn't as good as it normally is..."Aderyn had a look of sheer awe on her face. "AMAZING!!" She yelped!

Some of the crowd glowered at Aderyn, but they didn't mind that Xannick was giving her attention.

Xannick jumped back and his lips twitched in a half smile. "Glad you think so...." He picked up a towel and started wiping the sweat off his bare, muscled chest and torso.

Aderyn started to blush again. She coudn't help it. Xannick was that appealing. She averted her gaze so he wouldn't see it.

He peered at her curiously, wondering why on earth she was acting so shy all of sudden, when earlier she was hugging him. He knelt down before her and put a finger under her chin. "What's wrong?"

She started to stutter and panic "n-n-n-n-n-n-nothing!!!?!!" She ran off, face still bright red.

The others laughed "Xannick you're too much for the poor thing!" Another voice said "I bet she's a virgin!"

Xannick frowned at the owner of the last voice. "And if she is?" he asked. "Just because you're a slut doesn't mean everyone has to be!"

They groaned "You know I didn't mean anything by it. You know that.." The crowd wandered off, not enjoying Xannick's outburst.

Dustfinger cleaned off and took a nap in his tent.