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Post by Elysian on Feb 24, 2017 4:13:32 GMT
The world below was quiet, not a sound to be heard as a figure moved silently thru the wood. Tonight, the moon being nothing but a sliver, darkness enveloping the earth in its cold embrace as the temperature continued to drop for the evening. The layer of fog that had settled along the forest floor swirled at his legs, the frosted foliage beneath him crunching under the weight of his rough pads as he adjusted the belt around his waist. The night was growing longer and for a moment, he contemplated on whether or not he should continue, or, settle in for the night and continue his trek at sun rise. Coming to a slow halt, he leaned against a nearby tree, his ears pivoting forward in thought as he brought his hands to his muzzle as he allowed his hot breath to warm his pads. Grunting, he signed heavily at his own thoughts as he glanced around, wondering if this was a good place to bed down for the night. Removing the dead hare that dangled from a makeshift rope from his shoulder, he slung it around a tree limp and tied the rope into a knot before looking around for supplies to build a fire.
After a short while looking, he gathered what dry wood he could, piling branches and dried leaves he'd found in a hallowed tree into a makeshift fire pit he'd created from stones. Satisfied with what he'd collected, he retrieved two of the stones he'd placed around the circle and clacked them together to create spark. With house moist the air was, this was of course not an easy task. It took him at least a good twenty minutes to get a decent amount of sparks from the rocks before a tiny flame finally began to dance within the dried moss he'd placed on his stick pile. Quickly, he dropped to a crouched position as he brought his muzzle to the flame and softly blew, feeding it with his own oxygen as he cupped his with his paws. After what seemed to be an eternity, he finally had a decent enough fire going to cook up the rabbit he'd caught earlier. Generally he didn't bother cooking his food, however, a warm meal on a night like tonight sounded just right.
Licking his lips, he retrieved his kill and jammed a stick through its mouth to the rear and propped it onto two more sticks above the fire and before long, he found himself picking his teeth with one of the rabbits small bones. Grunting, he leaned back on his pads, his ears pushing lazily forward as he stretched out beside the fire, his upper body rocking back as he placed his arms behind his head and gazed up thru the tree tops at the stars. It was a beautiful night, a night he'd give anything for his parents to see.
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Post by Cyn on Feb 25, 2017 2:27:23 GMT
Periwen and her new guest had just returned from the lake and were beginning to settle into the village for the night when the smell of smoke and soon after, cooking meat caught her nose. The sun was nearly set and though she was certain she could have asked her company to find out who was lurking in the shadows with her she chose instead to leave him to rest while she sought out whoever or whatever it was so very near to her home. Today was turning out to be quite interesting as it had already brought her one visitor and now perhaps it held yet another for her. She would of course welcome them assuming they showed no signs of meaning harm and she would never complain about potential pack members so while the day was proving quite busy she was ever grateful for it.
As her cream toes made their way through the forestry she realized she was not far from where her first guest appeared and wondered how many more the mountains planned to gift her. As the sky darkened and day time gave way to night the fire blazing just ahead of her became clearer and in it's light she could just make out the form of what appeared to be yet another male. 'I know that season is just about upon us but goodness mother nature!.' Periwen chuckled to herself certain that it was just a coincidence, after all the thaw and spring meant more water from the mountains so why not travelers to.
"Hello there. You have crossed ever so slightly into the pack land of Atheria. Have you any business here?"
Her voice was booming but tenderness so as to indicate she meant not to be a threat followed each note. Periwen chose to keep her rank unknown for the time being, no need to go throwing it around willy nilly and just as secretively she remained mostly hidden by shadow. She was close enough to take stock of who was before her and what posessions he had but was thankful for the shadows to shield her from any quick moving daggers or spears.
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Post by Elysian on Feb 26, 2017 2:57:48 GMT
Laying there, his kind wandered, his eyes dancing from one star to the next as he admired the constellations and each and every shape the heavens had to offer. The stars were always something that fascinated him, even from a young age. Licking his lips thoughtfully, his ears ears swiveled at the gentle popping of the fire, his toes spraying as he stretched, his fingers interlocking as he placed his arms behind his head the way they were moments earlier.
Laying there his eyelids began to feel heavy, his body buzzing as it began to relax. With slow blinks, his eyes finally shut, dreams beginning to formulate as his jaws fell slightly agape in a comfortable manner. Just as he was about to completely fall into slumber, he heard the subtle snap of a twig. Propping himself upright onto his elbows, his ears pulled backward as his two toned gaze narrowed. Listening, it was only moments after that a voice called out from the shadows. Sitting upright now, he remained seated, his eyes squinting as he tried to make out the features of whomever was just beyond his fires glare.
Clearing his throat, he pushed himself into a crouch before fully standing, his tail rising parallel with curiosity at the strangers words. "I do apologize, I hadn't realized I was on another lands. I can assure you it wasn't on purpose," he replied, his voice deep yet gentle. The last thing he wanted to do was come across aggressive. The fact that he had unknowingly trespassed was bad enough. How could he have been so careless to not even know the signs of a marked boarder? Licking his lips, he took several steps around the fire and closer to the voice, his pupils dilating as theyou adjusted to the minimal light that his fire provided.
There, he was finally able to make out the feminine features of the stranger, a smile forming upon his lips. Placing his paw over his chest, he bent at the waist in a graceful bow, his eyes remaining on the illusive creature as he began to speak, "I've no planned business here m'lady, I am simply a wanderer looking for a home," he explained. "My name is Jude," he offered, his eyes taking in the unique markings beneath her eyes and how her raven black hair framed her face ever so perfectly.
The way she held herself was enough to tell him that she held a rank of great importance. Not only was she elegant, there was an authorative edge to her that was even more alluring than her exotic appearance. "If you'd wish for me to leave, I'll gladly do so," he finished, not wanting to impose in any way, shape or form.
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Post by Cyn on Feb 26, 2017 4:22:12 GMT
The male before her shot up as she had expected, what she hadn't expected was for him to rise and then move closer. She wanted to step back and maintain the distance between the two of them but she held her ground. She had managed to maintain her territory for the last year and she had to fight off one or two loners in the past so she felt confident she could do it again. Not to mention it didn't appear he had any weaponry on his person whereas she had a dagger strapped to her right thigh and she had gotten her belt from the village that carried several other tools.
"Given the lateness of the hour and how little sun we have here this time of year I think your trespassing can be overlooked. Jude was it? My name is Periwen, I am the alpha here in Atheria. You are welcome to stay here though I must insist if you do you either distance yourself from the homes of my territory or if you have hopes of joining in our number that you return to the village with me when we are through here."
Periwen had a number of questions to put to him before she would decide if he really would go back to the village or if she would lead him astray and send him on his way but she needed to instead gauge his reaction to her news and of course see if he planned to disembark on his own perhaps come morning. After this was determined she would be happy to answer any of his questions though she wouldn't be surprised if he had questions already.
She couldn't help but notice the once over she got from him and she couldn't blame him, she had been searching his form as well and imagined they were both sizing once another up. Smart. Though she liked to think she hid her strengths, her frame afterall was very feminine and not at all riddled in muscles, not at first glance at least. Periwen had made sure to be physically fit but well fed enough to maintain her curves, her mother had taught her very little but that curves could be useful was one thing she had gleamed from the bitch that had whelped her and a number of others.
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Post by Elysian on Feb 27, 2017 3:26:07 GMT
Patiently standing there as he awaited her response, he took the opportunity to allow his gaze to wander to the surrounding trees. He wondered if she were actually as alone as she'd appeared to be, or, if there were others lurking in the shadows. He found it hard to believe that a female would be wandering about on her own during this time of night. Bringing his attention fully around to the female before him, his ears pressed forward as he attentively listened, a small smile creeping across his features as she introduced herself as Periwen, the alphess.
Now it all started to come together and make sense. She was different than most females. Being an alpha wasn't just a task for anyone; no, you had to have the knowledge and the strenth to hold such a role. This female had more to her than what met the eye...just as he had suspected from the moment he'd set his eyes upon her. "It is a pleasure to make your aquintance, Periwen," he began, alternating his stance as he turned slightly toward the fire only momentarily before turning back to face Periwen.
"I am humbled by your offer m'lady Periwen," Jude added, his mismatched gaze holding her own respectfully. "I would be honored to join your ranks," he finished, his shoulders rolling forward as he turned to retrieve his belt and dagger, spear and skull mask from the base of the tree he'd set them are. Hanging the mask around his neck, he then wrapped the makeshift leather hide belt around his waist with his spear clutched within his fist. Next, he approached the fire and kicked some of the loose dirt and ice onto it before stomping out the coals.
Turning back toward Periwen, his eyes squinted but only for a moment as they adjusted to the dark. "Lead the way, m'lady," he said with a smile as he extended the hand holding the spear.
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Post by Cyn on Feb 28, 2017 0:47:56 GMT
Periwen watched Jude closely, he certainly knew how to use his manners which was more than welcomed but he was not at all concerned about rushing off behind an Alpha he had just met. She pondered for a moment if this was because he felt he could trust a female, or maybe because he was sure of his own skills. In either case she made sure to take note of the items he gathered up, the belt, dagger and spear didn't really surprise her but the skull did though she was certain she'd figure it out or he'd explain it should she ask. But for now that was not needed.
"My offer of course was sincere but before I can take you back with me I must know about you a bit more. I apologize for what my concern may imply but I simply cannot risk showing a newcomer where my members bed down for rest. I'm sure you understand."
She watched him for a moment more, interested to see his response. Periwen did move closer to Jude to try and make him see she wasn't trying to be rude or give him a cold shoulder, merely doing her job as an alpha and protector.
"It's cold away from the fire, shall we sit and talk awhile? I'd be interested in knowing where you come from and surely you have a question or two about Atheria."
Periwen gestured towards the fire, it was true they could talk as they walked back but the night wind was biting and why rush when they could take their time in warmth and reasonable comfort with little to no risk to her village. Yet again she hadn't brought her belt of various goods or she would have made them a hot drink but she could at least offer him some water.
"Thirsty?" She extended to him a water pouch she had gathered up on her way to investigate the smoke and flame.
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Post by Elysian on Feb 28, 2017 1:32:01 GMT
He was both surprised and impressed in more ways than just one with Periwen. He'd merely just met her and yet, here he was standing before her with somewhat of a dumbfounded look on his face. In only a matter of moments however, the expression was gone and replaced with a gentle smile and a nod of his head. It'd been a long time since he'd met or seen someone so dedicated to their rank that it was what one could call 'refreshing'. Clearing his throat, he leaned his spear against the tree it'd beend propped against moments before and turned back toward Periwen.
Extending his paw, he gently took the flask of water from her grasp and took a small pull from it before handing it back. "Thank you,m'lady," he smiled as he cleared his throat and began to speak once again,"I understand completely, in fact, I'm glad that you asked and it's refreshing to see someone as dedicated to their calling as you are, m'lady Periwen. I come from further up north from a small mountain range called the Glacier mountains," he started. Taking a step toward her as he resumed his place by the fire that was struggling to stay alive after it'd nearly been snuffed out.
Bending down, he placed the extra moss, pine cones and small branches he'd set to side earlier over the coals and blew. Within moments, tiny flames began to lick at the air before it began to gobble at the rest of the debris. Remaining crouched, he looked back up to Periwen, his eyes meeting her own as he stood up and extended his hands toward the fire, turning his rough palms toward the heat. "My father was the lead warrior and weapons builder and my mother was the midwife of the pack. My father taught me just about everything I needed to know to defend myself along with his crafting skills. My mother used to joke saying I could build anything out of merely a stick," he chuckled, his mismatched gaze trailing away for a quick second before flitting back.
"After their passing I decided it was time to set out and decided to see the world...or some of it anyway," he continued, leaving out the gory details for Periwens sake. "So, here I am. I've seen and learned enough that I'm now ready for a place to call home and plant my roots if you will, m'lady Periwen," he explained, licking his lips. "Have you been here long, Periwen," he asked, his ears pressing forward curiously, wondering if shed just recently claimed the lands she hailed Asteria or if she inherited them. He also wondered if there were an alpha male, but, he deemed the question inappropriate and knew that he'd find out sooner or later regardless.
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Post by Cyn on Feb 28, 2017 2:19:17 GMT
Periwen took in his dumbfounded look and would have for a second thought he was displeased to have some plot foiled only he wiped the look from his face and offered a very believable explanation. Believable in the sense that explained his look but she found it hard to believe that any Alpha could get so lax in their duty to protect their land that they'd let just anyone in, then again she had never left her land to see how others managed theirs. In any case she wasn't about to flex on her methods, they'd worked so far. In the time she had spent processing what he'd said she had picked up on him calling her m'day a time or two and while she appreciated the manners it sure made her feel much older.
"Please, just call me Periwen. No need for great formalities." He had stood and crouched and then stood again, clearly not wanting to sit if she would stand and so to make it easier on him, and for her to better enjoy the fire, she sat crossed legged before the orange glow of the now licking flames. "Your parents sound like they were well rounded individuals, I don't doubt that you benefited a great deal from their knowledge. Is there one skill you'd say you excel at over another? But then how rude of me, you have asked me a question and I have only answered with another. I'll answer first."
Periwen turned her gaze from Jude and his mismatched eyes to the flame just for a moment, checking to see that it would remain in it's bed while they talked and she was rewarded with the site of a well made fire pit. Not wanting to completely spoil her night vision she looked away and closed her eyes, thinking how best to respond while being entirely honest. When at last she knew how to begin she opened her eyes once more, the phantom light from the flame had gone from her vision.
"I wouldn't say I've been here long but I have been here my entire life. My grandfather claimed this land to be a safe haven to look after my mother, sister and myself. Unlike your mother mine was mostly inconvenienced by her children and so I spent most of my time with my grandfather. He was old and wise and I sense he had been wise long before age gave him reason to be. Atheria is often a place for tired travelers to rest but rarely stay but because so many come and go the borders must be kept even more securely. When my grandfather passed I took over the care of his land and have in the past year and a half made it my own."
She felt the small speech summed up the history nicely but did not disclose that there wasn't exactly a thriving pack here. While she was not as suspicious of the string male before her she couldn't be certain that the news wouldn't give him cause to try and take the land as his own. Periwen had been just as cautious just this morning when Aurek had happened upon her private heaven.
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Post by Elysian on Feb 28, 2017 3:15:38 GMT
"My apologies Periwen, my mother was always persistent with her teachings, formal speech being one of them," he grinned, his features apologetic.
Watching as she crouched into a comfortable pose before taking a seat, he followed in suite and took a seat himself. He smiled as she compliment his parents and for a moment, his head tilting thoughtfully. Although he and Periwen had only just met, he wished she could could met his parents. Anyone and everyone admired his parents and often referred to them as the 'power couple' of the pack aside of the alpha pair of course.
"They were very special, that is for certain. My mother had the biggest and most kind soul that I've ever had the pleasure of knowing," he replied, his eyes softening at the memories as they came just as quickly as they went. With his ears pulling back at her question, he was happy to have her dismiss it momentarily to explain the question that he had asked as he thought on it.
Listening intently to her words, he leaned forward like an eager child listening to its parents stories of folklore and mystery; his hands absent-mindedly playing with a stone that had been set around the fire. When she was finished, he sat back slightly with a thoughtful gaze. "I for one am impressed Periwen. Your grandfather sounds like he was an astounding character as well," he finally said with a toothy grin. "As for your question, I must apologize. I've never been asked such a thing so I've never really given it much thought. I would have to say that I'm most excellent at combat, however...building and making weapons is somewhat of a hobby of mine and I'm fairly good at it...or least I'd like to think so," he chuckled.
"And what about you Periwen, is there something you enjoy doing aside from your roll of being the leader of your lands," he asked with a genuine ring to his vocals. He was curious and like his mother, he always enjoyed getting to know someone new.
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Post by Cyn on Feb 28, 2017 3:31:42 GMT
She nodded forgivingly at his apology for the formal language, his using it of course had not been an insult but she had a hard time seeing herself separate or above her pack and though Jude was not of their number as of yet it would seem he was genuinely interested in becoming one.
"Just as you wish for me to have known your parents I wish you could have met my grandfather, he was the greatest wolf I have ever known." True she had not known a great number of wolves but there was no reason to let him in on this tidbit and in any case she was certain if she had met ten times as many wolves Kaigo would still stand out as the greatest of them all. "Combat and weaponry are both very useful skills to have, I can't say that I am an expert in either though I do dabble as one would expect."
Absent mindedly her right thumb caressed the bony hilt of the dagger strapped securely to her right thigh, it was the first weapon she had ever made that lasted and it had been crafted under her grandfather's watchful eye. His return question hit her ears and she thought for a moment, not entirely sure there was one thing she was either best at or enjoyed most. Periwen seemed to be a jack of all trades and yet a master of none, surely there was one thing?
"It's not exactly a skill or a hobby but I do find enjoyment in helping. Doesn't matter the species really, it just feels good." It was a soft answer and she wished she had a tough one such as eating the bones of her enemies for breakfast but this would simply not be true and a solid relationship between alpha and trusted pack member was just not built on lies. "I'm a fair huntress, I'm quick in a tree. I can make weapons and clothing and I can run for miles on end. I would not say I excel at any one task but I'm proficient in most." She of course didn't both to mention just exactly HOW proficient, that could of course remain her own little secret. One did not keep their land with politeness and smiles alone after all.
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Post by Elysian on Feb 28, 2017 5:00:46 GMT
As he sat there conversing with Periwen, he couldn't help but feel as if he'd already known her for longer than he did. Perhaps in a recent life time they were friends, or, perhaps they were just more alike than what appeared to the naked eye. Either way, he found himself thoroughly enjoying her company none the less.
"I can only imagine. The way you speak of him reminds me a great deal of my father," he replied, a sigh heaving from his chest as he sat back and propped himself on his hands, his eyes wandering toward the stars as another smile tugged at his lips. Turning his gaze back to her, his ears pivoted forward and his head tilted as she spoke of helping others and how it brought joy to her heart. "Helping others is one of the most fulfilling gifts of all," he agreed, listening as she went on to explain how she was a rather good huntress and could run for miles on end. His eyes followed her movements as they watched her gently touch the dagger that hugged her thigh.
"Those are all fantastic qualities to have. Perhaps some day you can teach me a thing or two and I can teach you whatever youd like to learn about crafting weapons or combat," he responded with a suggestive tone, his eyes returning to the dagger. "I'm assuming by the way you touched that dagger that it must be rather sentimental to you," he added, his eyes returning to her own. "I've always been a sucker for daggers..." he said as he reached around and retrieved his own dagger he'd made when he was just a young lad.
Tossing it lightly, he flipped it and caught it by the blade and extended it toward her. Although he'd only just met her, he liked to believe that his judgement of character was true to his instincts and that she wouldn't harm him unless she saw fit. "You can look at it if youd like," he finished, continuing to hold it out. "I engraved some of the heavens constellations into the handle," he smiled.
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Post by Cyn on Mar 2, 2017 3:21:35 GMT
Periwen would be lying if she were to say his reaching for a weapon hadn't startled her just slightly but she was quick to calm herself, remembering he had offered her no threat thus far nor did the speed, or lack thereof, with which he reached for the dagger very alarming. Still, old habits die hard. Taking the blade carefully from him she was quick to admire the engraving, knowing she was nowhere near his level of weapon making but then she had never cared much that it was pretty only that it was practical. Nonetheless the dagger was well balanced and lovely.
"Truly a work of art sir. I've not attempted to make my own weapons attractive, perhaps one of these days you can give me a lesson. I'm not sure what skill I posses that you would need or want schooling in but should you find one I'm sure I would be most happy to share what I know."
She gestured the dagger back to him, she realized there had been something of a question regarding her dagger but felt it didn't need explaining just this moment so unless he pressed she would simply move on. Lifting the bladder of water to her lips she sipped from it thirstily before sealing it once more, now was either the time to head back to town or to lead him astray into the woods and away from her home though she felt certain she knew which route their trip would take.
"The hour is growing late Jude, have you anything else you wish to ask me or to tell me?" Yes they could talk as they traveled but some topics were best suited for sitting, if his following statements were ones she felt she could walk to she would do so but first she would offer him the courtesy of her complete attention, after all he had been kind enough to give his to her.
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Post by Elysian on Mar 6, 2017 14:01:12 GMT
Holding his dagger loosely within the grasp of his fingertips, he waited for her to take it from his hand. He had noticed the small inclination that grabbing it from his belt had made her a little nervous, but, he wanted to assure her that he wasn't there to hurt her no matter what that took...even if it meant unarming himself. Smiling, he watched as she finally took it from his hold, his arm pulling back as he gently wrested his forearms on his knees, ears pressing forward as she began to compliment the work that he'd put into his dagger. Listening as she continued to speak, he gently shook his head and retrieved the dagger from her hand when she handed it back and nestled it back into its holster.
"There is always something to be taught," he said as he held his hands over the open fire, allowing the flames to lick at his rough pads. Gazing off into the distance, his mismatched optics scanned the shadows momentarily, his ears pressing forward as he listened beyond the fire for any sign of movement. Although he was positive they still remained alone. Turning his attention back to her as she asked her question, his lips twisted as his brows scrunched together into a pondering expression, eyes flitting for a second as he search for another question to ask.
"I hope this doesn't come across rude in any way, shape or form, but, is there an alpha male," he asked, his head tilting in question. He didn't ask for the sake of his intentions, no, and quite honestly his only intentions was to establish a good and solid relationship with her in order to join the pack. He asked because it was the respectful thing in his opinion to do. If there was an alpha male, he wanted to make certain that he wasn't treading on thin ice by being out in the middle of the night with his mate. "The reason I ask is because one, I don't want to make him feel unsettled in any way, and two, I'd like to introduce myself to him if there is a him to introduce myself to," he explained in an almost awkward way.
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Post by Cyn on Mar 7, 2017 3:25:59 GMT
As he spoke she nodded acknowledgment, he was very right there truly was always something that could be learned.She eyed him closely as he warmed his hands and then began to look around behind her, no doubt searching for signs that her loyal pack lurked nearby to guard their Alphess. Periwen couldn't help but grin knowing all too well he could search and search and never find anything more than tree shadows. She was about to lose herself in thought while waiting for his response when her ears perked at not just his voice but also his warning that he may be approaching an off topic subject. She was fairly certain she knew where this was headed and sure enough he did not disappoint.
"I will answer your question, but first let's put out the flame and begin to make our way back. I believe that question is one I can answer easily enough while walking and the sooner we begin our trip the sooner you can find some proper warmth."
Periwen rose to her feet and extended to him the water bladder to put out the fire. She would have been willing to do the work but she had always been of the thinking that to extinguish someone else's fire was just rude. Jude's reasoning was polite enough and did in fact make sense but still she wondered if he didn't have other reasons. It was true they had exchanged stories of their youth and upbringing but as of yet there had been no true bonding, at least not enough for her to trust him entirely and for this reason she wished to be closer to home and surrounded by her weapons hidden in secretive nooks and crannies of trees and rocks along the path back.
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Post by Elysian on Mar 11, 2017 23:10:14 GMT
In all honesty, he wasn't certain how she was going to react to his question. Would she be understanding of it and reply in the same respectful tone he'd asked it in, or, would she jump to conclusions on the intentions behind his question? Periwen didn't strike him as someone who would do this, but, preparing for the worst was always something he secretly did. As he sat there, a sense of relief washed over him as she responded, offering to answer his question as they traveled back to what he assumed was her village. With a slow and steady nod, he smiled and retrieved the bladder of water from her grip while pushing to a stand in one fluent motion.
Removing the makeshift lid, he poured the water from the bladder onto the flames, his yellow and blue gaze enthralled by the crackling as the fire then began to starve to death and begged for oxygen. "Well then, shall we," he asked, turning his gaze toward Periwen now as he replaced the lid to the bladder and handed it back to her.
Gathering his spear and bear mask, he slung the mask over his neck and rested the spear against his shoulder as he stood there beside her waiting. Although he hadn't the slightest clue as to where they were going, he could assume that if he were to trail along behind her, that it'd make her even more uneasy during their travels. "At least the night is clear," he said, as his eyes adjusted to the dim light. Although the the moon was hardly evident, the forest was surprisingly bright this evening.
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