'a proposition,' the Footman says.

[, t i n d ë]

The fog curled around his ankles, and he breathed it in, slowly, slowly, contentedly. It was a fine morning- barely, really, with the dawn just rising to cast a strange rosy glow throughout the mist. Of course, the sun wasn't seen.

He treaded through the fog, a lackadaisical tune hummed under his breath. It would be lovely day, he decided, paws crushing the dewy grass lightly. The valley was silent and a bit eerie, but he chalked it up to most of its inhabitants still in slumber. He himself had hardly any sleep- after all, insomnia plagued him regularly, and he had woken from a brief, restless nap and equally restless dreams.

Tinde raised his maw, catching a whiff of the morning breeze. Mingling scents came to him, and try as he might, he couldn't pick out the alpha's. He was here in his- or her- territory with a careful request, one that he was actually not quite sure would be ceded to. The reputation of the Pa'chuua pack spread quite far, and it was of an sly, cunning group of wolves that ended up...interesting him. Oh, they were in for an adventure- though this may have been too light a term.

He had to be wary, though. Ears forward and alert, the wolf caught every crackle and rustle of branches and leaves. The mist obscured his sight rather annoyingly, but he understood the benefits of it. It just made him edgy- paranoid, almost. He knew the alpha would have caught his scent by now, and so waited- ever patient- as a dark, still figure in the valley, a faint, haunting melody carrying from his lips, watching dawn's light sift through the fauna and flora around him.

[.:.Asa.:.]

Asa did not have an idea as to when Lithium would be back. She was not worried and did not mind having the territory to herself for the moment. After Lithium had left, Asa had contented herself with eating a bit more before burying the rest of the meat, although there was not much left. Jumping lithely upon the rock ledge, Asa laid down, her muzzle upon her paws, her slightly long tail curling about her form, and her silver orbs closing. Rest was what she needed.

Although the sun could not be seen through the ever present mist, the warmth could be felt from where she laid. She had not been asleep for long when the scent of a trespasser assaulted her senses. Silver orbs opened quickly, alert and ready without a trace of drowsiness.

Jumping lightly to her paws, she sprang from the rock ledge and headed towards the male intruder. Her paws lightly touching the ground, blending in with the rustle of the leaves as the wind blew by. The wind whispering in her ears, caressing her body as she ran, and sifting through her feathers as the raised upon her back.

A faint, haunting melody reached her ears as she came closer. Silver orbs could make out the back end of an obscured figure. She slowed to a walk, her slate blue and gray coat obscured by the mist as it clung to her, she stepped up silently behind the intruder and stopped. She remained where she was, silent and watching a mere few feet behind the male wolf, listening to the haunting tone that seemed eerily right given the mist.

Silver orbs narrowed, her tail raising with her already raised blue gray streaked feathers. Are you sure it is wise to trespass upon Pa'chuua territory without announcing yourself? Her lips barely moved, her voice cold yet calm and low as she waited to see the wolf's reaction to her presence behind him.

[.lithium__&&]

l i t h i u m

russian roulette is not the same without a gun.

. . .

&& A haunting melody slithered through the valley, greeting the feathery morning mist with a sadistic smile as it slunk past. Slowly, slowly, it seeped throughout Lithium's domain, poisoning every wolf it found with its ghostly echo. Then it found the alpha.


&& Arsenic-spiked notes delicately glided through Lithium's raven-splashed feathers, caressing them tenderly as they crooned in her ear: Honey, you have a visitor. You really must attend to him, dear... At first, the Archangel responded with a mere ripple of her plumage, as if the song was a tangible creature she could flick off. However, the melody had a tighter hold than she had expected -- the notes clung to her thick silver fur like ethereal thorns, digging into her skin and causing her soul to squirm. Please, love, do come...

&& And that was how Lithium ended up on the very edge of her territory, facing the father of the valley's beautiful plague. Not that the trespasser knew that -- he was probably focusing his attention on Asa, who had ghosted up behind him. Besides, years of experience had taught the Archangel that intruders never look up, hence her current position: the top of a cliff, where she could both observe her beta's actions and prepare for an attack. Lullabies are the games of fools...

. . .

and baby when it's love if it's not rough it isn't fun.

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[, t i n d ë]

Are you sure it is wise to trespass upon Pa'chuua territory without announcing yourself?

He was startled, he had to ruefully admit, and ceased his humming rather abruptly, but any other sign of surprise was artfully concealed within his frame, perhaps surfacing as a barely noticeable shiver that could be passed off as a result of the chill seeping through the mist. The rosiness of dawn was beginning to color into a light, withered yellow, and he shifted on his paws, settling into a more comfortable position. It would be a long interrogation, he realized, with some anticipation.

Hearing the female's murmur, a smile swiftly found its way to his lips- the painted front that he carried day after day. His eyes, however, were wary- was she the alpha?- and the navy feathers along his back stiffened subtly.

But, dear madam, I did indeed announce myself. Wouldn't my song suffice? I thought it was a rather lovely tune. Rather regrettable that I've forgotten it, however, he replied lightly, words smooth rippling with mirth- and only a tad mocking. The smile stayed, affable and open to her reply- well, as open as a shark's grin, perhaps. She was high-ranking, he realized. Respect was due- this, he conceded to with a properformer's tilt of head in his mind. He did not ask for her name, figuring she'd give it when she felt the need. He would return the favor.

But none of that. He continued, getting down to business. I'm here with a proposition, you see. To become beta male of the Pa'chuua pack. He knew she'd realize propositions were double-sided...he'd have to offer something in return, quite possibly.

Tinde's ears flicked back. Years of paranoia had given him sharp acuity to his surroundings, and he had heard...heard something. Faint and near inaudible, and though it was near he couldn't pinpoint where it was from. Perhaps it was a bird, he mused. A rabbit. Perhaps...perhaps...

[.:.Asa.:.]

Her guarded, indifferent expression did not change, yet she did raise an eyebrow in amusement as the wolf's humming stopped abruptly. Her amusement faded as the strange wolf before her smiled, silver orbs unwavering as they flickered upon his face taking in every detail. She noted the wariness, and mentally grinned, He should be extremely wary and for more than one reason...

Her tail did not lower, nor did her feathers lower. Her eyes narrowed ever so slightly as to be unnoticeable as she heard the hint of mockery in his tone, yet her expression cleared after a second. She began a slow walk around the wolf, taking in his physical appearance and seeing if he would turn as she passed behind him.

She hummed a part of his haunting tune as she circled him before once again facing him, she had a good memory. A loud howl that would have echoed across Pa'chuua territory would have been more appropriate, for all of the pack to hear than a hummed song.

Asa knew she was being colder than necessary, but there was something about this wolf... Hmm... Her thoughts distracted as he declared he had a proposition. What is your name wolf? And why should we of the Pa'chuua pack allow you in further entrance into our territory let alone be our second command?

Asa could feel another watching and she had a sense of who it was, yet her silver orbs remained on the wolf before her.

[, t i n d ë]

OOC| SORRY IT'S SO LONGG TTATT Lots of important detail in all of it. |D

His feathers lay relaxed, but nearly upright- showing an openness but an assumption of equality. He had no intention of going after the position sniveling and cowering like a begging dog. The light, vague grin was still held across his maw, observing, knowing. He caught the various expressions flitting through her silver eyes- she was good, he had to admit, at hiding them, but perceptiveness was a trait he prided upon not lacking- and stretched his smile even wider as the wolf began to circle him- assess him.

Tinde stood, cocking his head slightly to a side, both brows raised in acknowledging the charade. His eyes- faint, wavering gold- seized slightly around the edges as she traveled behind him [never leave your back uncovered...], and he was glad she could not see them hardening. It would do no good to cause a wrong impression in this game of subtlety and detail. But oh, how he loved to play it!

Ah, but does the Pa’chuua pack not pride upon their acuteness, their cunning? If so, you should certainly have to have heard me. And you indeed have, he conceded, dipping his head. Congratulations. Oh, and a wonderful rendition, madam. This he added almost cheekily, purposely prodding at her cold demeanor. A battle of wits- his favorite pastime.

She was wary, and he was glad. It was as he would expect- no less, perhaps some more. The Pa’chuua pack impressed him, after all, and he, held in his fancies and whims, was rather hard to impress.

Oh, silly me. Let me say it now: Tinde, he declared merrily, simplistically. I don’t suppose you’d like to return the favor…? And, if I may ask, what would your rank in this pack be? Contrite, polite; shown as merely a curiosity. Of course.

The dawn was already encasing the valley, a muddled pastiche of past mornings, sweeping a watercolor quilt across an unseen sky, tinging the fog with a medley of odd hues.

And, he continued piercingly, his entire demeanor shifting in the moment, the smile flickering, as he turned sharply to face where the other wolf had crossed, there are very real reasons why you should have me as second-in-command. I will be accepted because I will be an asset.

His pupil-less eyes bore into her silver ones, unmoving, conveying, evaluating. And if she was as cunning and keen as he inferred her to be, he knew she would realize how useful he was- this entire conversation had been a trial of sorts. He had shown he had a quick and calculating mind and tongue- that he could juggle pressuring conditions with a maddening smile. That only in the very corner of himself, locked and barred away for after hours, was there hidden any nervousness. Perhaps he was cocky and full of himself. But he knew it rang true.

His tail twitched. They were being watched, he was sure. But by whom?

He voiced his question like an afterthought, ruining the grim mood a bit.
”By the way, who are we being watched by?”

[.:.Asa.:.]

Silver orbs betrayed nothing, as she listened to what the wolf had to say. His assessment of the Pa'chuua pack rang true in that they pride themselves for their cunning, perceptiveness, stealth, and fighting prowess. The pack was powerful, and their reputation seemed to be spreading; the one before her being a prime example. As he congratulated her on her rendition of his song, she did not smile nor change her expression at all. He was trying to gouge her reaction, he would be sadly mistaken.

As he introduced himself as Tinde, and asked for hers in return she said nothing and was rewarded as Tinde began to speak again. His tone had changed from one of almost mockery to being a bit cocky. She raised one eyebrow yet still said nothing as he made it clear that he would be accepted into the pack because he would be an asset. Her own silver orbs noticed his perceptiveness, the calculating gleam within his eyes as she had asked her questions. Asa did believe he would be an asset to the pack yet said nothing.

As Tinde asked who was indeed watching them, the corners of her muzzle turned upwards slightly in her own smile. Amusement entered her silver orbs, although they still held a certain coldness.

You seem so sure of yourself Tinde. Her tone low, as she began a slow circle around him again. I will admit your perceptiveness and quick acting to diffuse any situation is impressive. Silver orbs caught his golden ones as she completed her circle once again, facing him. If I were you I would not waste such efforts on one such as myself. Though, I as well, enjoy such mind games.

Her lips lifted, revealing the tips of her sharp fangs in a cold grin before it disappeared. "I am Asa, beta and second in command of the Pa'chuua pack." She tilted her head slightly, her ear to the wind as if she were listening for something.

Asa straightened, her expression serious. The Alpha of the Pa'chuua Pack, the one who is watching, will meet your acquaintance and decide whether you may enter this pack or not. Do not move. Silver orbs unwavering, she did not say what would happen if he happened to move.

She began to move towards him, she stopped as she passed by his right side, turning her head so she could look at him. If my alpha does decide to accept you into this pack... Unless she gives you the position or decides that we will both be betas... I will not make it easy for you to gain the position. Asa looked straight ahead for a moment, Pa'chuua pack has gained such a reputation because we have earned the positions we occupy.

Asa began to walk again yet stopped and turned around after placing herself a couple of yards behind Tinde. She sat down, her tail curling slightly around her form as she waited for Lithium to show herself. Unless requested to leave by Lithium, she would remain. Lithium would be in front of him and she would be behind him. If he did indeed try something... Well, the females of the Pa'chuua pack were just as tough, if not colder than the male wolves that had passed through.

[.lithium__&&]

l i t h i u m

luck and intuition play the cards with spades to start.

. . .

Pa'chuua pack has gained such a reputation because we have earned the positions we occupy.

"Well said, Asa," Lithium murmured melodically as she leaped down from her rocky perch. Padding delicately over to stand beside her slate-blue beta, she wasted no time on formalities before continuing: "You have said many times that you are an asset, Tinde...however, I have seen nothing to prove your claims." Of course, the alpha's words weren't exactly true; the trespasser's well-worded responses revealed a dark, calculating wit. But a serpent's intelligence means nothing if it bites, Lithium reminded herself, flicking a ebony-splashed ear pensively as she looked over the newcomer.

After she had observed the details of the trespasser -- the splashes of darkness that stained his pelt, his unnaturally thin frame, and his smoldering amber eyes -- Lithium took a step forward, her raven-hued feathers stiffening in an unworded warning: don't speak. "No," she murmured, gazing coolly at the navy-feathered Archangel. "Leave; you are of no use to us."

. . .

and after he's been hooked i'll play the one that's on his heart.

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[, t i n d ë]

Though I as well enjoy such mind games.

Why, but whoever said we were playing mind games? His voice was innocent, his smile, laced with white ivy. I only see intimidation and quite a lot of smooth-talking among us. Ah, politics... A dramatic sigh.

He did not move, though. He had no doubt in his mind the consequences of doing so- the wolf before him seemed strong and built in contrast to his lissome frame, and he was not such a fool to provoke her. So tense, so wary…

Asa, she said. Finally- a name! And a rank, too.

Afraid I'll usurp your position, madam? I jest, I jest...

Her next words, however, broke through his easy-going exterior. The alpha?

Pa'chuua pack has gained such a reputation because we have earned the positions we occupy.

As expected, he could only reply vaguely. His mind was on the alpha- when would she show herself? Though outwardly he seemed cool and unruffled, there was a churning unease inside his stomach. What a horrid way to begin the morning.

Well said, Asa.

Shaken, so very shaken. He realized the new wolf had appeared from…above, and noted in his mind to always remember that direction from now on. They were truly pa’chuua, Tinde mused. A chuckle after the thought. He slipped it back in, knowing that he would receive odd looks during this interroga- no, inquisition. And yet another light chuckle. He simply couldn’t help it- it was all so lovely!

No, no, that was the wrong mindset. He was treading a fine, dangerous line, he knew, wavering and flickering all the while. They had emerged out of the mist as ghosts- and so how many other wolves could be waiting, crouching in the fog? He decided he would deal with them as he came. Improvisation was every performer’s skill, after all.

They were sizing him like a chunk of elk, he noted, one behind and one in the front. He faced the alpha, taking in her silver coat and equally pale eyes.

Leave. You are of no use to us.

He tilted his head to the side, as if considering, and then opened his maw to reply- slowly, carefully, with all the theatrics and cadences.

We are so close-minded, so assuming. Face value is a delicate thing, my lady. There is hardly thought behind it- so do think, please. I am sure you are an intelligent wolf; do you truly believe your words?

No. You would like proof- I have proof. I have tread lands and territories, and come bearing intelligence from all of them. Perhaps my weakness is a lack of brawn, but my mind and tongue- they will be sharp and negotiating. Think, my dear alpha. Do you not need treaties? I may help create them. Do you not need strategies? Why, enter I. Do you not need the useless words of a poet, to weave stories on dark nights when no one may sleep? I may out silver-tongue any Teller. I may not be the one performing, but be assured I will be pulling the strings.

And I am not empty words, not simply boasts, madam. You know it.

Indeed, he was treading dangerous ground.

TINDE RAMBLES TOO MUCHHH.

[.lithium__&&]

l i t h i u m

i promise this, promise this.

. . .

I am sure you are an intelligent wolf; do you truly believe your words?

"I do not talk for the mere pleasure of hearing my own voice," Lithium replied delicately, her words lightly spiked with arsenic. Although outwardly she was the stereotypically serene alpha, if you cared to delve into her mind, you would find that Tinde's remark had actually irked her quite a bit. He doubts my judgment? Fool...

No. You would like proof- I have proof. I have tread lands and territories, and come bearing intelligence from all of them. Perhaps my weakness is a lack of brawn, but my mind and tongue- they will be sharp and negotiating. Think, my dear alpha. Do you not need treaties? I may help create them. Do you not need strategies? Why, enter I.

"Intelligence is not a trait exclusive to yourself," the alpha replied frostily, her onyx feathers stiffening indignantly. "Nor is diplomatics. Both Asa and myself are quite competent in those areas; why would we need another with those qualities?"

Do you not need the useless words of a poet, to weave stories on dark nights when no one may sleep? I may out silver-tongue any Teller. I may not be the one performing, but be assured I will be pulling the strings.

Lithium hesitated before replying, her feathers bristling uneasily as she groped for a retort. Finding none [and greatly annoyed by that fact], she decided to skirt the question: "We have no pups to entertain."

And I am not empty words, not simply boasts, madam. You know it.

"It is possible for a vessel to be filled with useless things, sir," the silver Archangel replied distractedly, still irritated by her lack of witty comebacks. "Now go."

. . .

check this hand 'cause I'm marvelous.

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[, t i n d ë]

He was annoyed. Surely this must be a sort of test- and couldn’t they see that the mere fact that he was being stubborn meant that their pack truly interested him, truly meant something? Ears flicked forward in frustration, although the mist shrouded whatever other outwardly signs of it he showed.

I do not talk for the mere pleasure of hearing my own voice.

I would never imply that, my lady, he said deftly, stalling time. The horror of even suggesting so! Ah, the theatrics again. And while his words were quaint and flippant, hers were frosty and imposing.

Both Asa and myself are quite competent in those areas; why would we need another with those qualities?"

The more the merrier, of course! A blithe smile. And again, I would never doubt your skills… He understood that flattery would not work, for they were unyielding, but it would always slip unknown into his speech. [ Look at that young gentleman, such a nice fellow, such a charmer…]

We have no pups to entertain.

I offer my condolences, then. A life without pups is truly a lacking life. This was perhaps the most honest thing he had said in the entire conversation. Some warmth unconsciously slipped into his voice, and he knew it would surprise them- after all, who knew he would have such an affection towards their younger kin?

And entertainment is never limited to simply pups. A change of direction. My, I’m saying ‘never’ quite often…

She said useless. She had called him useless! There were many horrid, negative traits about him, he knew and groomed for, but useless was never, never- oh, the abusage- never! one of them. His navy feathers trembled slightly in veiled indignation and fury, for she hardly knew him- and then uttered that blasphemy!

Now go. A dismissal.

Ah, so eager, so adamant in turning me away. His easy words and smile were displayed before clenched, unseen teeth, but then he caught an inflection of her own irritation. He was not sure what had caused it, but used it to his advantage.

If I leave, I will be back. I am sure you are anticipating this, and ready to round up some pack members to hound me out next morning. Really, to save you the fuss…what is it I need to do to prove myself? Dry. Wry.

[.lithium__&&]

l i t h i u m

playing for the high one, dancing with the devil.

. . .

I offer my condolences, then. A life without pups is truly a lacking life.

"Agreed," Lithium murmured, the vestiges of Tinde's sick lullaby poisoning her words. "Agreed..."

And entertainment is never limited to simply pups.

The ghost of a smile -- or was it a smirk? -- flickered across the black-feathered Archangel's lips. "Oh, of course not...I myself greatly enjoy verbal entertainment."

Lithium flicked her silver brush of a tail smugly as she observed Tinde's deep blue feathers, darker then even the deepest river, tremble with caged fury. That's right...play my game.

If I leave, I will be back. I am sure you are anticipating this, and ready to round up some pack members to hound me out next morning. Really, to save you the fuss…what is it I need to do to prove myself?

"Of course you will be back," the alpha replied, disguising her rather obvious intentions behind a veil of simplicity. "Therefore, I'm giving you a task: find and steal an Archangel pup. Bring it back, and you'll be a beta. It's painless, really...besides, you'd gain a playmate in the process."

. . .

going with the flow; it's all a game to me.

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[, t i n d ë]

Therefore, I'm giving you a task: find and steal an Archangel pup. Bring it back, and you'll be a beta. It's painless, really...besides, you'd gain a playmate in the process.

For once, he was stunned speechless. Merely for a fraction of a second, though, as his mind recovered to process her words. He ignored her jibe to his intelligence-'playmate'- and replied, his voice hissed and dangerous, his smile- and this was truly rare- gone.

Will the Pa'chuua pack stoop so low? Will they truly tear a child from its family for the sake of humiliating a pending member? I had high regards for you, madam. And now I am wondering if you indeed deserve your title, for your request is savage and impulsive.

He knew it was his fault for exposing his weakness. But really, if it was coming down to this...he did not care for the beta position anymore. Hell, even joining the pack was no longer so appealing if they dabbled in such sick trials. After all, he was sure whatever the alpha- she was still nameless, he realized- imposed upon Asa when she was vying for her position was never so ruthless. Then again, he wouldn't be petty. Values, in the end, still reigned over ambition. A small flicker of relief rippled inside him. He quashed it.

No. I deny your request. His entire demeanor was serious now, no traces of his earlier mirth seen. Perhaps this is a test of sorts, but I will not go as far as to steal a child for simply a position. Madam, I will be leaving now.

Do not expect me back tomorrow. I believe you are losing something valuable, but I would not contribute to such disgusting actions anyway. Good day, ladies.

And with that and a flick of his tail, he flattened his feathers and made to turn away.

OOC| I'm still vying for the position, btw. xDD Hopefully Lith's gonna tell him she was just gauging his reaction or something. -shot'd-

[.lithium__&&]

l i t h i u m

and they'll say 'all the salt in the world couldn't melt that ice'.

. . .

Lithium's silver brush of a tail stiffened warily as Tinde's ever-present smile suddenly vanished. It was a transformation as sudden as the sun being hidden by a cloud...of course, the dark-furred wolf's smile could hardly be classified as "sunny".

Will the Pa'chuua pack stoop so low? Will they truly tear a child from its family for the sake of humiliating a pending member? I had high regards for you, madam. And now I am wondering if you indeed deserve your title, for your request is savage and impulsive.

"Perhaps so," the alpha responded delicately, trying not to nudge the bristling Archangel closer to the brink of attack. Although her statement seemed fairly neutral at the time, even as her words died on the air Lithium realized the mistake she had made -- yes, her response lacked venom, but poison might've been preferable to cold insensitivity.

Perhaps this is a test of sorts, but I will not go as far as to steal a child for simply a position. Madam, I will be leaving now.

"In that case, congratulations," the silver she-wolf replied briskly. "A pup wouldn't be any good for our pack anyway -- we have no she-wolves with milk, so the poor thing would starve." To be completely honest, Lithium didn't care about the "poor thing", but she figured that such a statement would win some points with the pup-loving Tinde.

Without pausing to wait for her new beta's response, she continued: "Our 'main camp', if you will, is to the north --" Lithium vaguely flicked a raven-splashed ear in that direction -- "but getting you acquainted with the dens can wait until later...I reckon you'd like to learn my name first, mm?"

. . .

i'm the one who gets away.

o o c || GAH. Predictable post fail. XD;

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[, t i n d ë]

And his suspicions had proved to be correct- this had, indeed, been a trial. A flicker of indignation gave way to grudging respect- the wolf before him certainly knew how to utilize truths to her devious advantages. Poison, he realized, was the term. And a bit of realization dawned upon him, settling to twist his lips into some semblance of his previous smiles again. He understood this language, could play this game. Tinde regarded her with just the slightest more interest, just a tad more of fascination: It had been a while since he’d met a wolf as capricious as her.

…So the poor thing would starve.

He contained his snort, the smile swiftly regaling his expressions again, finding foothold once more. It was a disbelieving gesture, one of polite conceding. Poor thing. Really? Why, of course. Oh, the poor thing…

He had to admit, however, that it was a sly, subtle way of trying to gain favor.

Congratulations.

He did not feel to usual smug satisfaction that would bloom in his chest whenever he’d acquire whatever he sought after. There was no triumphant gleam in his eyes- just a grim acknowledgement that the chessboard was certainly a fickle place, and that he may have had underestimated the queen as a mere knight. It was not a comforting thought. Tinde prided upon never underestimating, but it seemed here that he had thought he was the only one scheming across board.

But it was a challenge. And- oh, how he loved challenges! The days ahead would be wonderful, he decided.

A nod, a silent acquisition to her acceptance. And then his demeanor changed once more, so nimbly, so erratically, that one had to wonder just what were his thoughts, what were the means behind the faces he paraded. All frost had vanished, giving way to the illustrative charm moments before.

Why, seen through me already, he said in reply to her question. Certainly I cannot call you ‘madam’ so often. It makes you sound old. Jovial banter. An olive branch, of sorts, between them.

Louis, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship…*

ooc| *last lines of casablanca XD what? i'm a sucker for that movie, and this scenario definitely fits the one where that quote happened!