[u]Free Billy[/u]

Nathair

Nathair was surprised when Eowyn held out her hand to him, his eyes pulled from his spirit’s graze back to the holder. For a moment he was a little unsure about the greeting until Quartz’s voice encourage him. “Nathair, she’s being friendly and you’re being rude.” 

The Knight nodded, apologetically to his spirit then uncrossed his arms, his hand reached out to shake hers. He still struggled with his words as it was clear in his reply, the speech’s smoothness and sounds in a slightly slower rhythm. For the most part his talking had improved since he was twelve but it wasn’t close to ideal. “Yes. It’s Nathair…Lysander. Nice to meet you and I hope we can too. My speech is not very good…” 

Mime’s sudden exclamation had cause Nathair to flinch, the noise rather closer than he liked. His head snapped to the direction only to note for the first time Arlette’s doppleganger and the young girl’s fidgeting form. Like him, this place had made her unease and the notion brought him a great relief so at least he wasn’t alone in this feeling. He naturally knew the girl thanks to his mother’s position in the Administrative Branch as Ms Chelsea Lysander had been placed in charge of the young Knight’s affair states, including that she received home letters, allowance and other important paperwork recently. They once worked together but for some mysterious reason, Arlette's name appeared on the Mercenary dossier one day and that changed things. Needless to say, Ms. Lysander was slightly disappointed she had lost her helper and the charming young lady's company. He often heard his mother complain about the fact Arlette being sent on missions but like with him, there was little the old woman could do about it. He was certain during the young girl’s visits, Arlette and Mime too, came away with a new basket of home baked goodies each time. It was his mother’s specialty and over generous nature, including her loving knack for conversation. 

Both now aware of the younger Knight’s unsettle situation, Nathair and Quartz came to aid Eowyn’s decision to ease the girl. The knight’s hand placed firmly upon whom he believed might’ve been Mime while Quartz had noted Arlette’s head. 

He started to slithered off Nathair’s other arm but before he made it to the bottom, Nathair warned Arlette so she wouldn’t jump. “I hope you don't mind Quartz coming over to say hi, Arlette. He missed you.”

Just then, after Nathair’s warning reach the girl, the spirit slither right onto the real girl’s shoulder. His coils wrapped about her head like some interesting head dress and seemed rather pleased with his new, more comfortable perch. He felt her tense and maybe a slight giggle, he liked to think anyways rather then it hurt her, and then situated comfortably. Unlike Nathair and the other humans, the spirit liked hot climates a little better then cold so he was more than happy to keep the sun off the girl. His narrow head lay upon Arlette’s head top, his mouth pulled up in a snaky grin, as he spoke. “Hello, Arlette, long time no see? Don’t mind the stares, they can’t help it. Ms Lysander did say you were always cute and I guess this is proof, isn’t it? Mine if I ride here? Your head is so much more comfortable then Nathair, less scars.”

Nathair knew Quartz’s comment was purely to calm Arlette down and hopefully ease what had unnerved her. It was something he was good, his tongue already at work without a need to coax him, while Nathair looked at Mime. The man seemed to be seeking for Quartz’s permission in silence. That was when one of the holders had decided they didn’t want to be part of a team, Mari's attitude clear as her lone wolf comment, when she broke off from the group. Personally Nathair was indifferent, however Qaurtz snorted, clearly disapproved at the woman’s disagreeable personality and his serpentine head merely lifted a bit off Arlette’s to watch the Holder disappear from sight. 
That’s when Remia sighed and made a comment about the group being a difficult one. Quartz’s wings ruffled, insulted by the assumption, than rolled his eyes at it. At least he tried. Like he was going to be hard to work with the snake thought bitterly, he hadn’t even wandered off and before even knowing him, this Remia person made a snap judgment on his character. 

“Oh…she’s a pleasant Holder to be around, I can tell.” The snake sounded sarcastic at the woman’s decision just to focus on the mission and leave them alone. However she never mentioned how she was going to contact them. He only could assume that she knew something or had something they didn’t, be it a skill or ability, which allowed for instant communication. With Holders, anything was really possible and with her recent display, Quartz had a feeling she didn't simply forget key details. He turned back to his little resting place. “As for being difficult to work with, we might be…unusual but not hard to work with. I'm a rather friendly snake to get along with…” He paused and then looked at Arlette, her head shielded by his small wings from the sun, “Aren't I Arlette?” 

His tone indicated he wanted her approval…a little worried her views might not agree with his and maybe for some odd reason didn’t like him. That would be terrible mainly since he thought they were friends.