amarie blair

The light tapping of footsteps were heard as a slight echo as Amarie's thin frame moved somewhat quickly through the area. No streetlamps. No exit. No people. Or at least thats how it was being shown to the nineteen year old girl. It was nearly down, and this place was starting to give her the creeps. But could you really blame her? I'm sure you would be pretty scared, too, if you were alone in a place like this.
Amarie finally slowed her pace a little and took a quick glance around; her piercing blue eyes capturing even the slightest movement around her. Alone. She was alone. Or was she?
Amarie couldnt shake that "your-being watched" feeling out of her skin.
"Hello?" Her voice came out strong, but her shaky appearance betrayed her. "Is anyone there?"
Amarie didn't dare move. She would wait just a little while longer.. Just to shake that feeling off and regain her courage. That is, if she was given the time to, because someone might be out there..

Katerinka; Kanan; Vivka

Katerinka was used to this place. With her quadruplet brother and leader, Viktor, in the hospital, she came here as a retreat. She knew how dangerous it was, but that didn't stop her. Her younger brother and sister and their gang had taken this place as their 'territory.'

She was leaning against the railing, her blue eyes staring off into the distance. The wind slightly blew her raven-black hair. She glanced at Amarie, took a deep breath and spoke. "I'm here." Was all she said, and her voice held no emotion, but she was obviously deeply troubled.

Kanan and Vivka, the younger twin brother and sister, walked onto the bridge and stood beside Katerinka. "Who's your friend, Kat?" Kanan asked in a thick Russian accent. He and his twin sister weren't the kind of people you'd see every day. Kanan was albino, while Vivka was albino and had mosaicism. She was mostly pale and pigmentless, while she had darker stripes all over her body. One eye was red-violet, while the other was blue.

Vivka was kinder than her brother. She smiled shyly at Amarie, but said nothing, not wanting to make the newcomer uncomfortable.

amarie blair

So the feeling was true. There was actually quite a few people standing around her. Creepy? Yes.. Kind of. Amarie wasnt used to being around this many people in a somewhat deserted place like this. So wait.. Why were they here? Vivka seemed nice enough, but the other two.. She wasnt too sure about them. They seemed almost like Amarie was anything but welcome around these parts. "Um.. I'm Amarie.." What a thing so say, right? Talk about awkward.
Amarie straightened her posture a little bit and willed herself to stop shaking. They didnt look like they were going to harm her, so why look like a frightened puppy?

Katerinka Volkova

Katerinka glanced back back at her brother and sister before finally speaking to Amarie again. "I'm Katerinka Volkova." She said, not even trying to hide the grief and sorrow. "So what brings you to this sorry little crater?"

Kanan made eye contact with Katerinka for only a second. His face was unreadable, but it was obvious that he was bothered by Amarie, a stranger, and outsider, being here. He stepped forward, and, grinning slightly, spoke. "I'm Kanan Volkov, and I own this bridge." He said arrogantly with much sarcasm in his voice.

Vivka punched Kanan on the shoulder. "Zatknis'!" 'Shut up!' She scolded in her native language. She gave Amarie an apologetic look.

amarie blair

Amarie was barely frightened anymore. These people around her didnt seem too incredibly horrible. In fact, Vivka seemed really nice. Compared to that guy she was with.. Her brother? Seems like it When Katerinka spoke, Amarie's attention was turned to her. But her reply started merely with a soft laugh. "I'm new to this valley, here. And honestly i'm not quite sure where I am."
It was then that Amarie's gaze was turned to Kanan as he spoke, and his words made Amarie's gaze a little less brave; but she did everything in her power to not let the cowery show in her features. "But of course, I see this place is of such a friendly atmosphere." The sarcasm was of course, returned. Amarie didnt take to being pushed around very easily, and that was more or likely going to get her in trouble, here, somewhere down the line.

Katerinka Volkova

Katerinka finally smiled a bit. "You're in East Atroe City, the most dangerous part of town." She replied. "Not that it's not all dangerous. The whole city is overrun by gangs. That's why we're here." Her family hated violent gangs. They made it their mission to eliminate them.

Kanan tilted his head in an arrogant way. "Yeah, well don't get to comfortable, 'cause it may get very, very hostile." He taunted harmlessly. Vivka rolled her eyes at her brother. "Kanan, shut your big fat mouth." She said impatiently.

amarie blair

Amarie listened to what Katerinka had to say. So this place was dangerous? Thats of course nothing new to her. She grew up around danger, gangs, shootouts. The whole works. But as Kanan spoke, a small smile tugges at the edge of her lips. "Hostile? I live for hostile places. Keeps things interesting." Amarie's words ended with a small taunting laugh. She was starting to enjoy the company of these people. They werent exactly friendly so far, but they were nice enough to fill her in on her environment. Amarie switched her gaze to and from each of the three people standing in front of her, and then her gaze was left on Kanan. "I may be a small girl, but dont underestimate me." Amarie shifted her weight from one foot to the other, and crossed her arms over her chest. Time to see what else was going to happen, cause thats all there was to do right now.

Kanan

Kanan stepped forward, taking off his trenchcoat and revealing the pistol in the holster at his belt. He had a tattoo of a spearhead on his arm with small Cyrillic letters under it. "Don't you know? I'm the leader of the Kolchan Clan!" He taunted, smirking snarkily the whole time.

Vivka's jaw dropped. It seems as if Kanan was challenging Amarie. Well, it should be alright, as long as Amarie didn't back down. Kanan merely wanted to see if she was 'tough enough.'

Katerinka stood where she was, seeming quite distant. If Viktor was here, he'd knock some sense into Kanan. But Kat and Vivka would only interfere if it got really bad.

amarie blair

Amaries eyebrows raised ever so slightly at the challenge that was set before her. This was quite amusing to her. Guns? The wimps protection in Amaries book. And an easy way to give your opponant a quick death. Amarie would welcome a quick death any time it was offered. Better than living in a hell hole like this earth.
Amarie shifted her feet's position, feeling the holster containing her switchblade tug against her leg; but amarie made no attempt to reach for it. She had no reason to."A leader, huh? I bet that makes you feel so special."
Amarie's voice was no wear near menacing. She wasnt looking for a fight, definitely not. But she wouldnt let herself be pushed around, thats for sure. Expecially not by Kanan.
Amarie lifted her gaze a little to match Kanan's, and she uncrossed her arms, letting them fall loose at her sides. What was he going to do? Pick a fight with a girl he barely knew? Well let him.

Kanan

Kanan, seeing the sword, grinned. "You use the melee weapons, huh? Either you're very brave," He got a gleam in his eye as he continued. "or very stupid." He chuckled slightly, calling back to the house. "Kuna!"

In the house, Lev, Ivan and Kuna were by the window, Lev using the scope from his rifle to see exactly what was going on. "Go. He needs you." Lev said to Kuna.

Kuna, a young red-haired woman, took a moment, then came out with something in her hands. It was a Korean sword, still in great shape. It had a black handle and was in a black sheath.

Kanan took the sword and gave Kuna the pistol. Kuna smiled slightly. "Just be careful." With that, she stepped back, next to Vivka. Kanan looked at Amarie with that smirk in his eye. "It's a bit longer than your little knife, but that wouldn't bother you, would it?" The albino man taunted sarcastically. "You ready?"

amarie blair

Amarie let out a light laugh, her grin never leaving her lips. "Now this is more my style.." With one swift movement, Amarie took hold of the blade hitched to her leg, and held it before her. There was no cowery in Amarie's gaze or stance. "Ready when you are."
Amarie was enjoying this for the most part. Kanan looked as if he was trying to frighten her. Well, he was going to get the exact opposite from her. She wasnt scared of death, thats for sure. And that wasnt about to change now.
She waited for the first move, if their was going to be one. Was he just testing her courage? Or was he actually going to start a fight with her?

Kanan

Kanan drew his sword, beginning to think twice about this. Amarie wasn't afraid. That's what he was looking for. Somebody who would challenge him, as most of his gang would do whatever he said without a single question. "Brave girl. Normally, this is the part where my opponent backs down. It's refreshing to see a change." He paused, as if waiting for her to speak, but out of the blue, he slashed at Amarie. If any damage was don, it would likely be very little, as Kanan wasn't aiming to harm.

amarie blair

Although Kanan's tone had changed ever so slightly to a sound of surprise at her bravery, Amarie didnt let her guard down. She would never let her guard down in any situation so close to a fight as this. But as Kanan took a strike at her, Amarie took a quick step back, the edge of his sword only snagging her shirt. A light laugh passed between Amarie's lips. "I dont back down. From anything"
Amarie held her stance, still yet to have placed a strike back towards the guy. She wouldnt fight back. Not yet. Not unless completely provoked. She didnt exactly like fighting, and only would when completely necessary. And right now wasnt that time.

Kanan

Kanan pulled his sword back. "I don't expect you to." He paused, standing at ease, before he sheathed his sword. "You're tougher than I thought. Atroe City needs people like you, people who aren't afraid to go up against danger." He complimented. "How would you like to join my group?" His group was rather ironic, as they were a gang that opposed more violent gangs. Like his family, he strived to eliminate or at least decrease the violence in the area for the good of their children and their children's children.

amarie blair

Amarie finally lessened her guard a little, and put away her blade after Kanan did. But as he asked her to join his group, and actually complimented her, she was taken slightly a-back. Not here for only a day or so, and already finding a place to belong? It sounded almost too good to be true.. "Join your group..? A bit of a giant step seeing as you've only just met me, dont you think?" Amarie was questioning his offer only because she thought there was some kind of catch to it. She hated being used. She was always being used somehow. Whats saying she wont be now? Sure, she has courage. But that can only bring a person so far before that gets them in some trouble, right?

Kanan

Kanan kept calm. His offer was legitimate. "I know, but I can see that you're exactly what this town needs." He replied coolly, shrugging. "I'll tell you what. I'll introduce you to my friends and family, and if you don't like the idea of joining our group, you'll never hear from us again. How does that sound?"

amarie blair

Amarie gazed at Kanan through squinted eyes for a moment, then finally nodded. "Sounds good to me."

Kanan & Others

Kanan smiled. "Well, you already know me, I'm Kanan Volkov. These," he pointed at the two women on either side of him, "are my sisters, Katerinka and Vivka Volkova."

Kuna stepped forward, smiling as if she had known Amarie all her life. "I'm Kuna Kazakova. It's nice to meet you." She turned around and whistled, bringing a horse running their way. The Spanish Mustang mare tossed her head and snorted excitedly. "Meet my horse, Tehya Amitola. I just call her Ami, unless she's in the show."

Lev and Ivan filed out of the house, standing next to the horse. "I see you met our leader. Did he give you as much trouble as he gave us?" Ivan joked. "Well, anyway, I'm Ivan Kavelin."

Lev stood next to Kuna. "You've got some skill, miss. You didn't even flinch!" He said, quite impressed.

amarie blair

As all the many different people stepped forward and introduced themselves and gave a few compliments to what just happend between Kanan and herself. Amarie allowed a smile to curve her lips, and it actually stayed. These people, they seemed different from the types of people she had grown up around. They seeme more trustworthy. "I'm Amarie Blair. And thanks, I think?"
Amarie let out a small laugh and then let her gaze fall on the horse. "Your horse is gorgeous, Kuna. Mustangs have always been a loyal breed."
Still kind of unsure on what to say or do, Amarie just remained standing where she was, and listened to the talk going on around her. Amarie flashed a glance back over to Vivka and Kanan, just to make sure he hadnt done anything wrong so far. She didnt want to ruin this chance to actually belong with others.

Kanan & Others

Kanan smiled. They were doing good - his people and Amarie. He was sure they'd get along fine. Of course, there were a few more who were busy at the moment, but really, they were even milder than the rest of them.

Lev smiled. "It's good to meet you, Amarie." He said in the usual gentlemanly way of his.

Kuna smiled, a bit shy, but she soon became more outgoing. "Thanks. She is pretty loyal." She looked into the horse's deep brown eyes. "Kanan gave her to me a few weeks ago. He knew I always wanted a horse of my own." She grew up around horses, but they were all her dad's horses. She never really got the satisfaction of taking care of her own horse.

Kanan looked up at the sky. "There's gonna be a storm, I think. You're welcome to stay at our house until it passes." He offered. Ominous dark clouds hovered high in the sky, occasionally sending lightning bolts here and there. It was just beginning to sprinkle rain, but by the looks of it, it was about to get very stormy.

amarie blair

Amarie flashed a smile in Lev's direction, then nodded. "Its good to meet you too, Lev. And everyone else, too." As Kuna replied, Amarie's attention turnd to her and an even brighter smile lit her face. So Kanan did have a nicer side to him? Thats good to know. "Well, befriend a mustang, and they will always be loyal from what I've seen." Amarie's family back in her hometown used to raise mustangs. All of the horses used to be very loyal, unless having a bad day. But of course that is normal for any living thing.
When Kanan mentioned the storm, Amarie lifted her face to the sky. Allowing the light, cold drops land on her cheeks. "I appreciate everything, Kanan." Amarie lowered her face from the clouds and looked at Kanan. "Its a good feeling knowing I have the chance to actually belong somewhere."

Kanan

Kanan walked down the bridge and led the group to a house on the riverbank. "It's not a problem. We're always happy to make a new friend." He said as he walked. As much of the town was corrupt, it wasn't often that they met somebody like Amarie.

Kuna nodded. "That's true. You seem to know a lot about horses." She replied with a smile. She glanced up at the sky, back at Kanan, then at Amarie. "Well, we should get inside."

Lev, Ivan and Katerinka filed into the house, with Vivka and Kuna waiting for Amarie.

The house was large enough to house all the people with room to spare. The decor was nothing special besides bearskin, deerskin and gemsbok-skin rugs on the wooden walls. Above the fireplace was a picture of Kanan, his brothers and his father after a successful hunt.

Kuna opened the door to let Amarie in. "We have iced tea in the kitchen, as well as brownies, if you'd like some." It seemed as if Kuna always had brownies made. She loved cooking, but more than that, she loved chocolate.

amarie blair

As everyone started to make their way back into the house, Amarie silently followed. Still too good to be true? Not so much.. She was starting to get used to the idea of actually having "friends" for once. Unusual for her, yes. But she loved the thought of having people to talk to. When Kanan mentioned they should go inside, Amaarie gave a slight nod of her head and walked over to where Vivka and Kuna were waiting for her and made her way into the house with them.
The house was like god compared to what she was always used to. Those dark, alley-like dumps, with rats and nothing but crime and problems all around her. This place had a homey feel to it, and Amarie knew it wouldnt take too long for her to start to get used to being around these people. At the mention of iced tea and brownies, Amarie let a smile slide across her lips. "Maybe later? Thanks.. Amarie took a good look around her. Friendly faces, nice place to stay for a while, cooking.. All these different things finally gave Amarie a feeling she hadnt felt in a while. She was content with where she was at. All thanks to the many people around her that finally decided to give her a chance.

Kuna & Others

"Alright." Kuna replied. "You can have a seat, if you want, and you're free to explore the house a bit."

Within a few moments, Dimitri Volkov walked through the back door, wearing sunglasses and carrying a cane, obviously blind. He had a Gyrfalcon on his shoulder, though one might think it was a hybrid because of its unusual markings. The bird shook its feathers, both pet and master drenched. It looked as if they had encountered a predator along the way, as Pasha was missing some feathers and blood ran from a bite mark on Dimitri's arm.

Kanan turned around, a bit surprised that his younger brother was here. "Dimitri! Why aren't you back at Viktor's house?" He asked.

Dimitri leaned against the wall. "Adrian told me to leave. He doesn't want me 'jeopardizing the mission.'" He grunted, clutching his wounded arm.

"Well," Kanan continued quickly, "what happened? I mean, to your arm?"

Dimitri cringed. "The traitor girl's bear attacked. Yeah, she has a bear. A freakin' huge one. If I could see, I'd--" His sentence was cut short. "Dimitri..." Kuna sighed. There was an eerie, uncomfortable silence for a while, and it was Kuna who broke it once more. "This, Amarie, is Kanan and Vivka's brother, Dimitri." She said Amarie.

Dimitri turned in the direction he heard Kuna, and was more or less facing Amarie. "I'd shake your hand, but, well, as you can see, that would be quite painful." The wound on his arm did look like it hurt pretty bad, but Dimitri was making it look like nothing for fear of coming across as weak.

amarie blair

Blood.. Thats always been one thing about fighting she has always despised. Blood was the one thing that could have Amarie cringing. But of course, she didnt. She refrained from doing so. She had just gotten accepted by these people here.. She couldnt show her weakness this soon, right? "Its nice to meet you, Dimitry." Good, her voice hadnt betrayed her, either. "And that's fine.. I'll just take a raincheck on the handshake." Amarie let out a small laugh and looked over at Kuna for a moment, then back at Dimitry and the bird perched on his shoulder. She was becoming uncomfortable, and would have done anything to get out of the house for a few minutes. Away from the blood. But Amarie made no motion to move, and kept the semi-blank expression on her face. She could tough this out if she really tried.