Jade dashed down the street. Her black hair streamed out in a braid as she narrowly avoided running into people, shouldering through those who got in her way. She was fifteen minutes late and Hayden didnt' seem the patient type when it came to appointments.

She slowed to a walk, and began gazing around the spot Hayden had told her to meet him. Jade pressed a hand against her side and took a shaky breath. Boy, was she out of shape.

Hayden melted out of an alley, blinking at the sunlight.He yawned lazily and bought a loaf of bread. He has just woken up, having spent most of the night up late finishing research for his latest book that was suppose to be sent to the publisher in a day.

Ah, well. Twas the king's business that came before his own, and the world could wait an extra month for the book.

He tore the bread in half, handing it to a small underfed looking boy as he passed. He looked surprised but squeaked, "Thanks Mista!" before running off.

Hayden had never realized how lucky he was until he's moved to Corus.

"Jade!" he called.

Jade saw Hayden melt out of the shadows apparently just arriving. She walked over to him as he called out to her. "So, I didn't have to run?" She mumbled as she walked over to him.

"Hi."

Hayden began unraveling the crust from the bread. "Hmmmm," I mused as his first real tast of food began to drop into his stomach. "Hello, little one. Nice day isn't it?" He commentedand leaned against the wall.

He looked at her. "You didn't have to rush. I'm not patient, but I can wait when it is demanded of me. And this is a demand."

Jade rolled her eyes and fell against the building, closing her eyes. “You couldn’t have told me?” She asked exasperated slightly. She gathered her hair of her face and smoothed her hair away from her face.

Hayden shook his head. “Nope sorry. Shadow policy.” He winked to show he was joking. “Sorry, it didn’t cross mind that you would be so dedicated. But it’s probably a good thing. Running is good for you.” Hayden didn’t add that he ran as little as possible, but she didn’t have to know that. Having skinned his bread of crust, he went on biting into the soft middle of the crust.

Jade glared minutely at Hayden. "So . . .what are you doing here?"

“We are going to go look at horses. Horses are always a good investment; spies need dependable horses. I prefer my mare to several people I know, and I want it trained properly and you as well. Being a city , I doubt you’ve had much experience with them.” He rubbed his chin.