“No, course we don't mind.” Nathan said happily whilst beckoning Arjuna over with a wave of his arm. “The more the merrier, love. Tristan's snoring may keep you awake, mind you.” He grinned at his bud.

Nathan snickered at the mental image of Tristan all trussed up like Aragorn and running around in the wilderness. “You sure, mate? You didn't take a fancy to loin cloths when you were alone out there?” Oh Merlin – that vision was just... not good.

“I think airborne water might confuse our local muggle friends.” He said turning back to Tristan. “And what if it hit some poor sod minding their own business?” He shook his head. Stealing water sounded a lot more practical... and fun. He looked back at Arjuna and chuckled when she agreed to be lookout for his and Tristan's water stealing shenanigans.

Looking back at the woman it appeared that his sarcastic humour was lost her. He merely smiled in response. It was probably the language barrier, though he thought Arjuna's English was impeccable – better than his lazy way of talking in fact. He looked around at her comments – she was right – it was like some kind of no man's land, and so would be called from now on. “You seen any of our colleagues.? Or is it just us three who drew short straws.” Pfft – Rico was probably lazing around by the pool in some 5 star muggle hotel. He crinkled his nose – somehow he didn't think that was the American's style, bossman or not.

He watched her with interest as she took out instructions!? for pitching her tent and he looked at Tristan and smirked. Women. Men didn't need to mess about reading instructions. No siree. He would have offered to help if he weren't having to stand here like a lemon holding tent poles together.

Tristan was doing rather well with the tent but it was all very time consuming and Nathan was desperate for refreshment. The sun was beating down on his bare skin and he was damn thirsty – and the damn itchy paint was making him restless. As impatience took over and he used magic to pitch their tent, he really hadn't thought about the fact that Tristan was standing right in the centre trying to figure it all out. With a hand over his mouth, he watched his bro go flying and then he hit the ground with a thud. Forgetting about his own discomfort, he was at his bro's side in a second. “Mate, I'm sorry.” He mumbled. “You ok?” He grabbed a hold of his arm and began hauling the younger man to his feet. This was like deja vu of the time he fell in front of that Veela. hehe.

Water bottle? “I knew there was a reason I came here with you.” He smiled at his bro and set about getting their gas burner ready and placed the steam kettle on top. “You can't beat tea brewed the ol' muggle way.” He nodded as placed the tea bags in three tin cups he had brought along.

When Nathan mentioned Tristan's snoring, she smiled slightly. The two of them reminded her of two of her friends back home. Of course they were brothers, related by blood, so it wasn't exactly the same. The very fact that they even resembled the two brothers proved the strength of their friendship. As Tristan suggested summoning the water, Arjuna watched them both, wondering how long exactly they had been friends. A very long time, no doubt, judging by their closeness.

At Nathan's question, Arjuna looked around, a somewhat confused look on her face. "I...don't think I have," she said nervously. What if everyone else had gone to another field by themselves and herself and these two were the only ones who didn't know? But, no. She hadn't seen anyone at all since the match-and she had been taking pictures so she would remember. "Perhaps they...uh...actually thought ahead and...bought a space for themselves." Most likely. And they were the three idiots that made do with what they were given. Well, Arjuna wasn't one to wallow in it. It would just make the experience more interesting. And give her pictures a quality other than the-things-the-ministry-wants-you-to-see. In fact...this could be very good for her. She just had to wait for twilight and she would get the best pictures imaginable.

Arjuna looked back at the brothers-uh, friends? Brothends? Frithers? She still wasn't completely sure if she did it right, but Tristan's next comment assured her that it was the affirmative. "Uh...once," she began, glancing back at her tent. "If you could call it camping," she continued in an undertone that was nevertheless audible to all of them.

She had just finished her tent when she saw Nathan leaving the other one out of the corner of her eye. She stood up and looked around. Why...was Tristan on the floor? She hurried towards them in some confusion. Why didn't she notice? Was it just that she was concentrating on the tent? Or was she losing her awareness? Oh, that would be horrendous considering her job required awareness.

She stared at them as they started making tea. Perhaps it was custom here to do that every time someone got hurt? She glanced at Tristan sideways. Was he really alright? Arjuna hadn't heard him hit the ground so she couldn't be sure how hard he had. Evidentially, not that hard or Nathan would be more worried.

He gave an exaggerated gasp, putting his hand on his chest as he was accused of snoring. He had nothing to say. This was one of those times he was completely uncool. Eh. Shrug. Though he did give Nathan a little slap on the shoulder and continued to knot...stuff.

And then...he stopped. Loin cloths? A look of seriousness came over him as he looked at Nathan. "No..." he said carefully, then, "Why, would you like me to?" with a flirtacious wink and grin, he waited for the reaction. Quite late, he realised there was actually a woman standing there with them, and hoped he hadn't offended her with that or something.
"Oh, but they are missing out on all of this!" Spreading out his arms, he grinned to indicate that they had so much more awesomeness for themselves. This was the real thing, camping out, having to hunt down water and whatnot. What's the fun with getting everything handed to you on plate made of galleons?

So Arjuna had indeed gone camping. "Oh really? Where to?" he asked, interested in her travels. He hadn't met more than 3 women on the road who knew how to handle things and themselves.

But then the tent went kablamoo and he was on the ground. This, he thought, reminded him a bit of that particular time in Diagon Alley. That-thing-which-must-not-be-mentioned. Ahem.

Tristan sighed and then heard his mate's voice as he got closer. Akward. "Oh, yeah, I'm fine..." he chuckled and was thankful for the helping hand as he stood on his feet again. "Thanks, mate." He dusted himself off, though it didn't make much of a difference since his shirt was all bleh, and looked up at the tent. "Oh, good job with the tent there Nate," he grinned. It would've been fun doing it my hand, but he was sweaty and tired and didn't much like standing in the sun for too long and was glad his bud had gotten it done.

And Arjuna seemed to have not needed their manly help at all. "Maybe we should've asked you for help on our tent." he smiled at her.

He smiled softly at his brother's comment about the bottle. Sitting down, he watched as Nathan got to making the tea and wondered if this was the way he looked when he would make tea for his family - bustling about, arringing everything so they could sit and share a cup.

It still saddened Tristan about the way things had turned out with the Greenwoods - he knew how a thing like that shattered your very existence. But seeing his buddy full of life made him happy. He was really a fighter and wouldn't give up hope. "Oh, Madame Doubtfire, this looks great." he teased, watching the 'cook'.

"I think we should toast..." To what? He looked at his two co-workers, hoping they had a good idea. "To us?"

Nathan wrinkled his nose and squinted as he looked about the field. There was a surprising number of tents considering the accommodations on offer. He shook his head and looked back at Arjuna. “Ah well.” He sighed. “It might be fun to rough it a bit for a while. Tristan's used to this sort of thing – we may be able to put his expertise to use.” Nate was completely serious. Tristan had spent five years doing this sort of thing. It was an admirable achievement and something Nathan was sure he could never do.

Wincing slightly as Tristan slapped his shoulder harder than he deemed necessary, he play punched him in the ribs as he walked off to continue... what it was he was doing.

He smirked broadly when Tristan winked suggestively at him, then smoothed out his expression and clasped his hands together coyly and fluttered his eyelashes. “I've no doubt you'd look beautiful, Princess.” He dropped his hands to his sides and he grinned a grin worthy of a Cheshire Cat. “But the other happy campers might be a bit offended... or put off their dinners.” A loud guffaw erupted from him and he placed his hands on his bare blue chest and cackled like a drainpipe. Merlin, how dull this camping malarky would be without his bro here.

Pleased that his mate had no broken bones, he helped Tristan to his feet and looked at his now muddied shirt. Meh.. it hid some of the paint. He shrugged at Tristan's thanks and opened the front flaps of the tent and poked his head inside to have a look at their home for the next night or two. “It's quite spacious.” He commented. “This must be luxury compared to those nights you spent under the stars, eh, mate?”

He fussed about finishing the tea and looked over at Arjuna and raised his eyebrows when he heard Tristan's words about helping her – she'd done very well there. Madame Doubtfire!? He gave Tristan what was supposed to be a stern look but the amused smirk playing on his lips ruined it. He chuckled and shook his head. “Here you go.” He passed Tristan a mug of tea. “Come and join us, love.” He smiled at Arjuna and reached into his backpack charmed to hold more than it seemed, and pulled out a folding stool, opened it and placed it on the...er.. dried mud. “Take a pew.” He waved his hand at the stool and held out a mug of tea for her to take. She would get used to their strange customs... some day. He sat on the ground and sipped his own cup of hot tea, immediately feeling less... irritable. “How long have you been in this country, love?” He asked, cocking his head to the side and looking up at her from his place on the ground. They knew nothing about their colleague... and now neighbour - poor woman.

A toast? Oh yes, a Toast! Tristan loved his toasts. He raised his cup and smiled at the two. “To us.” And then when Arjuna toasted he and Tristan. “To Arjuna. ...and happy camping.” He took a large swig of his tea.

As Nathan mentioned Tristan's experience with camping, she gave Tristan a little, relieved smile. At least one of them knew what they were doing. Arjuna didn't like the thought of waking up with...her tent on fire, say and not knowing what to do about it. Now that she thought about it, they should probably get some extra water while they were stealing some-they couldn't use magic with something that obvious-right?

She closed her eyes for a few seconds, evidentially disappointed that he had chosen to ask the question. She was not offended, of course, in stead she was more embarrassed, especially with the knowledge that Tristan was adept at...uh, 'roughing it'. "Uh, London," she replied, somewhat sheepishly. "In... my Auntie's garden." Though her complexion made blushing nearly impossible, Arjuna felt heat creep up her neck and cheeks. She turned away and checked that her tent was fitted up properly.

Somewhere between Aragon(from that old story about the, what was it, Hoobites?) and loincloths, Arjuna began to actually catch on to what the two others were talking about. Her eyebrows began to rise, finally making it so high that her right eyebrow was completely concealed by her bangs. "Uh...yes...quite..." she said in reply to Tristan's gesture. If either of them saw the expression on her face, it would most likely look like her eyes had popped out of her head. Yes, yes, she would most certainly be put off her dinner. Shick*. Despite her obvious disgust, she couldn't help grinning a little bit at Nathan's laughter. Brits...she would never understand them...

Now standing a few feet behind the two as Nathan helped his friend to his feet, she nodded at Tristan who appeared to be fine. "Ah...oh...yours seems much more complicated than mine," she assured him, sensing that she had unintentionally wounded some form of masculine pride.

She followed them back towards the gas burner, now throughly curious about Tristan's 'experience' with camping. "If...you don't mind my asking," she began, addressing Tristan, "What...uh...was your occupation before you worked for the Daily Prophet? Have you always been a Layout Editor?" Sometime about him just screamed 'no'. Well, it was the same for the both of them really. Desk jobs didn't seem like the kinds of things that they would be interested in usually.

Arjuna gave Nathan a grateful smile when he pulled out the seat-she was wearing white after all-and took it. "Thank you," she said to him, taking the tea in hand as well. "Uh, I have been here for as long as I have worked for the Prophet..." How long was that? "Around a year," she continued, slightly confused. Really...she needed to keep tabs on time. "Though I had visited before, Britain I mean, when I came to see my Aunt."

Arjuna was reminded of the last time she was around Nathan and Tristan during a toast. At least this time she had something to toast with. To them all? No, to Nathan and Tristan. "To you both," she said raising her mug with a smile. They were nice people.

Mostly.

*In this case means 'gross'

If his voice allowed him to, Tristan would've squealed like a little girl when Nathan came at him, punching his ribs. But all he did was sort of try to hop away and cover his body with his arms in a weird angle - all the while trying to hold onto whatever part of the tent he mas mecking with. And aw, his camping experience. He felt rather exposed with the attention of his alleged expertise. He was sure they knew as much as he did. But he caught Arjunas smile and he smiled crookedly back, turning back to the tent slightly embarrassed.

Oh, nice comeback, Nathan. Tristan chewed on the inside of his cheek to keep from grinning broadly at his friends jesting. Haha, Princess! Oh no, he had a feeling that nickname wouldn't go away any time soon. He looked at Arjuna and rolled his eyes at Nathan, hoping she didn't think them mad for doing this. "Why thankyou my dear Prince-" Errr. Did he JUST insult his awesomeness of a body? "Ha. ha." he said and then laughed, watching his friend. But it seemed that Arjuna agreed, which totally made him feel that damn heat on his face that wasn't because of the sun. Ugh.

Any sort of camping was good, in Tristan's opinion, so he didn't much take notice of the fact that Arjuna had camped out so close to home. But he had noticed that she looked maybe a bit uncomfortable at the question and having to answer it. He hoped he hadn't offended her or something. He smiled broadly. "That must've been fun. I remember doing that in my grandfathers...back yard," which was basically acres of land, but he would pitch his tent a few feet from the house so his grandparents could keep an eye on him. "They're one of the best memories I have as a kid." he nodded at Arjuna and smiled fondly at the thought.

With the sun off their backs, Tristan sat contented by the gorund, having a look at the interior of the tent. His friends comment made him pause for a moment and turn at him with a distant smile. "Oh, yeah." he said, almost not being able to remember how he felt during said nights under the stars. Which made him even more eager to get going. "Thanks, m'dear." he took the offered cup of tea gratefully from his bro.

He watched as Arjuna came to sit down with them. Tristan smiled at her and watched with curiosity as Nathan asked her a question. He didn't want to presume that Arjuna hadn't been living here for a longer time, but apparently, considering the question, she had just moved to Britain.

Tristan chuckled at the toasts. "To Arjuna." He said happily and smiled big at her. And then a question was adressed to him, and he actually took a short moment to get his words sorted. My occupation? He had none... "Oh, uh, I didn't do much before becoming a Layout Editor." he paused, a slight crease between his eyebrows. "I graduated from Hogwarts... and then decided to discover the world." he chuckled. Wow, that sounded pretty lame. People around his age would've done loads of things and build successful careers and stuff. Whilst he had done nothing but travel. Snob. "How about you? You seem really at home with a camera, you must have a lot of experience working as a photographer?"





OOC: Mostly? *eyes Arjuna*
I am offended for both Nathan and Tristan =p
And for your info, Tristan in a loin cloth? *raises hand* xD

Urgh.. Tristan looked positively petrified when Nathan play punched him. Ek – He was too used to being around boys – four of them in fact who play-fought like puppies. He patted his mate (gently) on the shoulder to let him know it was all in fun and let him get back to tying of guy ropes and shizz.

Mwhaha! It was a shame his bro was such an easy target. It just made Nathan want to wind him up all the more – another thing he'd inherited through having so many siblings.. and children. Or not. Now. But he wasn't going to think about that right now. No siree. He was having too much fun to go and spoil it with 'real' stuff. Nathan was notoriously good at blocking things much to Egypt's frustration at times.

But moving swiftly on...

He chuckled. At least Nate was the Prince in this...er... relationship. o.O He smirked at his bro and winked. Clearly he had won this round. He looked over at Arjuna to find her staring like they were both crazy. She didn't really think they were being serious, right? “My wife would have your ear if she heard you calling me that.” He added pointedly yet amusedly looking back at Tristan. If, indeed, Egypt was still around - his little lady could be quite the firecracker when wronged. His brow crinkled. Why had she popped into his head again!? And now!? Shaking his head, he focused on Tristan and Arjuna's light reminiscing about camping as children in back gardens. He couldn't say he had done the same thing – camping was far too muggle for his dad's liking. “Ah nothing like sleeping under the canopy of pollution over dear London.” He teased Arjuna, then added in a disgruntled mutter, “Bet your Aunt had a bloody tap.” Blah.

He smiled and nodded at his bro's thanks and sat, drifting off a little as the two conversed about Tristan's previous employment – or lack of, but he got the gist of it. Tristan was being modest. “My boy's got life experience.” He added, patting him on the back. “Most people can only dream of what he's done.” He drained his tea and sat back, resting on his elbows and stretched his legs out, looking down at his blue painted self. He looked like a smurf. He averted his eyes from his belly to meet Arjuna's. “You moved here for the job?” He asked. “Were you, you know, headhunted?” Impressive stuff.

He sat up again and stretched his arms. “Well we better get that water.” He pulled his bag over to him and pulled out his straw hat and placed it on his head, then he dug around, pulling out a large water carrier. Used to looking after seven kids, Nathan had come prepared... and though he seemed irresponsible and childish, he would make sure everyone was ok and at least try and make their stay here as comfortable as possible.


ooc: Also eyes Arjuna.
Tristan: loin cloth? Course he wouldn't looks as hot as Nathan [/joke] but also raises hand *blush*

Arjuna grinned a little slyly at the two of them as they play-fought. It was good to see that some things were the same no matter where in the world you were. Boys will be boys, and girls...well, girls would be more complicated than is necessary.

Arjuna gave Tristan a watery smile as he rolled his eyes at Nathan. It had only just occurred to her that they might be joking. Vulgar, though it was, it was only a joke. She attempted to arrange her features into something that looked more calm and less horrified. She saw with some guilt that Tristan seemed embarrassed and possibly offended by her earlier disgust, though, not being very tactful herself, she could see no way in which to apologize without drawing attention to her initial feelings. She saw too, glancing at Nathan, that he seemed less happy and more distracted after this incident.

She felt horrible. She had offended the only two people she might even call acquaintances, and that she had hoped would become friends. Determined not to appear affected by comments on loin cloths however, she turned to them, smiling a little too broadly.

Arjuna felt a bit better a less embarrassed hearing that Tristan too spent some time camping out in close proximity to civilization. "You are very close, then, to your grandparents?" she asked, not entirely sure that camping in itself could be such a happy memory. "Oh! I am sorry. I do not mean to pry..." and she lamely mimed taking pictures to show him that it was in her nature as a photographer.

His wife?! Arjuna had no idea he was married. He didn't appear to be the type-she hadn't noticed a wedding band at least. Noting the confused and slightly saddened expression on his face, however, she decided against asking. She chuckled slightly at Nathan, "True, it was amazing!" she said, managing some form of sarcasm. That was meant to be sarcasm. "The smog and the bright lights...quite relaxing really." She grinned at him, feeling more comfortable and less guilty. She nodded at him, smiling at his annoyance. Yes, the tap. But stealing water was coming soon, which would be fun.

Arjuna was a little embarrassed and rather pleased, though she would never admit it, when they both toasted to her. She drank her tea with a small smile on her face. She nodded as Tristan answered her question, not in the least daunted by his lack of experience. "That is very admirable," she said, completely seriously, "very few people decide to do so, even though it could benefit them greatly in life." Being a photographer, Arjuna had been lucky enough for her job to need her to travel, and therefore had learned that morsel of information for herself. She nodded at his question, sipping her tea slightly. "Not much by general...ah, standards. I worked as a 'freelance' photographer for two years." Her eyes grew wide as Nathan praised his friend. Most people can only dream of what he's done? It gave Arjuna the impression of a military lifestyle and she shot Tristan an inquiring look.

Headhunted. Arjuna frowned, trying to remember the correct definition of the term. She scratched her chin absently, the boys habitual flaking of paint apparently making its way into her subconscious. "Well, no. I applied for the job-with help, of course- and I was accepted. Truth be told...I wanted to see more of the world than I already have."

Arjuna would have giggled at Nathan if she wasn't afraid of offending them again. He looked rather comical with the blue body paint and straw hat. It didn't look half as bad as she first thought. She was feeling much more comfortable after that tea...

occ: *apologises for her* She's old fashioned! anything she can't say in front of her dad is a o_O worthy statement, lmao. *bow*
Oh rly? *eyebrows*

Hehe. Tristan glanced at Nathan with a smile as he was...patted on the back. Being an only child, he had only done this sort of stuff with his friends at school. Which was like...ages ago.

What was that? A wink? Did that mean he won this round? Snigger. Oh yeah, Tristan was just getting warmed up - or something. Like Nathan, Tristan also looked at Arjuna, only to smile stupidly at her as he wondered if she wouldn't rather just desmantle her tent and get herself settled somewhere far away from those two.

He looked down at his feet, however, when Nathan started to talk about his wife. For a moment there, he had thought this little shinding had made him forget about his worries, but ofcourse, who could be stupid enough to really assume such troubles would just go away. Tristan for sure would probably not even be here if it had happened to him. He'd be far far away, sleeping under the stars Merlin knows where. But Tristan chuckled anyway, because he was pretty sure Egypt would be able to kick his butt... Honestly, he was a little scared. Women and their wrath.

Aw, poor Arjuna, having to be teased by Nathan. He looked at the woman and made a 'don't mind him, he's kidding and grumpy cus of the tap thing' face, which he then made another face, saying 'see?' at how he grumbled about the tap. He patted his bro on the back but then focused on the photographer's question. "Yeah..." The answer was accompanied by a soft smile and nods. He had indeed been close to them. Oh, but she said the phrase in a present tense. He didn't much want to talk about this...it sort of bummed him out. And, he hadn't talked to anyone about his grandparents but Nate... "No, don't worry about it." he chuckled and waved a hand to let her know it was quite allright.

He was so glad he had disguisting paint on his face, because he could clearly feel the heat rising up in his face. He didn't get that distinc rosy cheeks when he blushed, he knew that, but he was convinced people could still see it throught the flaking paint. Somehow.
"Oh...Nathan..." He mumbled, and lazily waved a hand. "It was nothing really. Though Nathan here," he leaned in closer to Arjuna and whispered. "...he battled a Dragon!" Hehehe.

She was headhunted? Whoa. That is major elite, that is.
"That's impressive, you must be really good to have been accepted. I don't think we have other colleagues from outside the UK. So what other countries have you visited?" She looked like a pretty travel experienced woman.

His eyes fell back on Nate as he spoke. Oh yay! They were on their waaay! "Look at you, all prepared. It's like you were expecting to go and steal water all along." He flashed him a wide smile. "Good job, laddeh!" he said afterwards (in a wierd scottish accent), thankful that someone had thought ahead.

OOC: Okay then...glad we could resolve this issue ;D *glomps you both*