Volcano Pack:                 

Salem kept his distance, not wanting to crowd her. He was sure her day was strange enough already, what with vampires chasing her and a Wolven rescuing her, then finding out not all creatures in this realm were human. He flicked an ear as he watched, observing the photos with a fine eye for detail, feeling a twinge of sympathy for her as she spoke about it no longer being around, looking away, the relief of the scrutinizing gaze leaving her no doubt bringing an immense relief to the girl, as she was more than likely starting to wonder why he was so hostile, or what had made him so bitter. Why he was so hateful, and glared so often. "I'm sorry," he muttered, unable to do much of anything else, falling silent for a few moments, where an awkward tension stretched, before Salem murmured, "My birth lands are lost to me too." It wasn't much, but it was glimmer of something, and there was an appearance of pain on his face as he thought back to it, as if his homelands were something he wished he were still in, or at least, hadn't been lost to the young male over the rough attributes of the years. But as quickly as it appeared, it was gone, and he was the same old Salem once more, mask back in place, and his manner decidedly abrupt.

Max had sat up.. moving closer over to his side "What had happened to your lands..?" She asks her voice purely curious.. yet also saddened... almost as if she cared.. yeah right  a total stranger caring about him? Salem probably thought he might have the concussion now or that she really must have hit her head quite hard. But she was there.. waiting.. and even further spoke "If.. you dont wanna talk about it you dont have to.. i.. know im just a stranger to you.. But.. i sorta know what your going through... loseing  your home... friends.... family....

"Nothing in particular. They're still there, if that's what you mean. I just can't go back to them," he muttered in reply, tensing as she drew closer, as if he did not like the thought or idea of her doing such. He stood, suddenly, mumbling, "I should keep watch outside now that you're doing better. I'll have a better chance of catching any approaching force that way." He made his way to the cave mouth, moving quietly, his hands tucked in his pants pockets, the black surface of the cargo style clothing accenting his shapely male form, two blades, the curved double swords some knights of old carried, hanging from the weapons belt he had strapped about his waist, perhaps leading her, correctly, to the conclusion he came for a warrior type world, and had a particularly dark past. "You should rest," he murmured, as he paused at the entry, the light softly bathing his face, seeming to glimmer and flicker there for a few moments, as if dancing lovingly over his handsome features. Once he had a special connection to the element, but no longer. He was too tarnished, and tainted, to ever wield it's formidable force again. And then he was gone, making his way outside and climbing up over his cave, sitting at the top, over the hanging lip of the tiny cavern. Where he could sit in silence, and peace, while still keeping watch.

Max at first listened to his advice resting but an hour later.. or perhaps a bit sooner she walked over... silently as her small size and light weight made her accidently creep up on him dispite walking normally carrying a hot cup of tea for him.. Once she stopped at his side was the first moment he noticed she was there perhaps statleing the male "Its... getting late and i figured you would like some hot tea to keep you alert.." She offered gently her concussion seemingly lessening but still there.. leaving her just dizzy and unsure on her feet if she had to run or turn quickly

Max had let out a cute little surprised gasp as she sorta plopped down her handbook falling into his lap and to her slight alarm the pages fluttered open onto her most recent drawing which would catch his attention. She had been sketching him.. his face and even dootled him in a sort of knightly armor.. and she actualy was spot on with her drawings. She wondered if he would notice it when he looked down to hand it back to her

"I-Is something wrong?" Max asks attempting to play it off as if she had no idea what was bothering him... and when he turned that bewildered gaze upon her she couldnt help but sorta shrink down as if she was a child who got caught doing something and was in trouble "W-what..?" She asks looking up at him biting her lip..was he angry? upset? saddened? she desperately tried to read him.. thank goodness he hadnt flipped the page

"Hey.... listen um.... if... i tell you something you promise you wont get angry at me?" Max asks finding herself looking down sort of as if she was nervous to look him in the eye all of a sudden. She managed to look back up at him "Promise..?" She asks again and it seemed whatever she had to say she didnt tell to just anyone... "Ive had people chase me out of their towns or try to attack me for it... I.. Dont want to scare you off either with it...." She looked back down looking at her sketchbook before flipping it open to the page she wanted. and set it in his lap... it was his home... people he knew... even his brother in near perfect detail. Max knew he would demand how on earth she drew this and knew what his home and brother looked like, her drawing him could just be a coincidece. Perhaps she liked knights and because her saved her he was her knight in shining armor.. but seeing his home.. brother... and other people.. that wasnt explainable