My Sense Of Fear Is Running Thin (M)

Rhilia shifted, nervousness bright in her sparkling green eyes. She was so close! So close! She could hear their breathing, could hear the rustling of their sleeping bags as they moved around. The angel was shivering with fear and delight, the feathers on her wings brushing against each other softly as they bristled in anticipation. The sappy pine tree Rhilia pressed herself against obscured her view. You can do this. They are oblivious in this state. Stay quiet. She told herself, putting a bare foot forward. The bed of pine needles rustled beneath her, causing her to grimace and step back. Rhilia took a deep breath, pushing forward once more. A loud, sudden snore made her jump, but quickly reassured herself that humans often made weird sounds as they slept. Completely normal. A fire was cracking and popping, sending ashes and smoke into the air. Holding back a cough, Rhilia knelt by the flame. Her wings were tucked back, glistening in the moonlight as she hunted for something of interest. She felt her hand brush against a leather sheath, and smiled. Rhilia ran the tips of her fingers along the worn leather. It had seen better years. Sucking in her breath, Rhilia lifted it, brushing off the dirt that had gathered. There was a soft hiss as she withdrew the blade. The dagger was in better shape than its sheath, with a eccentrically carved obsidian handle and slightly curved, shining silver blade that could slice through an animal's hide like butter. A deadly weapon, and the owner probably had no idea of its worth. Shaking her head in pity, Rhilia stood, still holding the dagger.

Normally, she was against stealing. But there was something about this blade, something that called her in. She gazed at her reflection, wondering what the men would do if they woke up and saw such a bizarre creature. The idea made her shudder. Rhilia wanted to flee, but the humans were so... intriguing, that she couldn't stay away. If they woke and saw her, then she would slit his throat and fly away. That simple. With the dagger against her chest, Rhilia continued searching, going as far as digging through their packs and taking an apple. Only the necessities, she told herself, closing one of the packs and moving onto the next.

Rhilia froze, seeing a shadow looming, the motions morphed by the fire. She was stuck. The human was probably armed. You have this dagger... Rhilia reminded herself, smiling slyly. Obviously, she had underestimated the strength of her opponent. A sharp squeal escaped her throat as the blade was removed from her possesion, and struggled against him. She shook her head,unfamiliar with the feeling of being bound. Her wings flexed, rubbing against the rough bindings. They were strong, but very delicate when it came to that kind of thing. Gradually, she stilled, waiting for him to release her. All he needed to do was loosen the bindings, and she could rip free and fly away. That easy. One bad move, and she would be free.

Rhilia's eyes widened, wondering if her kind had already been discovered, and hunted? The idea horrified her. She growled, glaring at the men. She was certainly not big, and most definitely not nasty! Rhilia looked at the fat man with disgust, trying to pull her wings away with a grimace. "Don't touch me, disgusting human!" Her words were muffled. As the skinny man rose, Rhilia tilted her head. It was strange, how humans could vary in such shapes and sizes. Angels were almost always attractive, unlike most the men in this camp. She yanked her arm, relief flooding through her as she freed the one arm. With a swift movement, she also released her mouth, and curled her lip up at the men. "If you think I will be an easy fight, think again."