Tseth: When Salmook takes off, he gestures to Resh. “Follow him. I can deal with Rhiv.” He nudges Parvus with his foot in the opposite direction of Rhiv. He turns his attention back to Rhiv, taking a few steps forward. He can’t get to Rhiv in the stream. “If you got caught, what would happen to Salmook? You’d have no one to help you, and your son gets lost.” He grips his swords tighter as he speaks.
Resh: He nods, then sheathes his sword and takes off sprinting in Salmook’s direction.
Parvus: He stumbles and chitters angrily at Tseth, then quickly regains his balance and trots back in front of Tseth, hissing.
(Parvus,)
(I can hear the disappointment)
Salmook: he's looking around for a hiding spot. he can't stay in the undergrowth forever. there's a nice looking stump over there… no, too mushroomy. there's some nice boulders over there… and some mystery-plants growing all over them. maybe not. Salmook settles for a ditch under a fallen log. there's hardly enough space for just him, so there's no way anyone else is getting in either.
Rhiv: he glares as Resh runs by. He's definitely slower than Salmook, though Rhiv doesn't know much about Resh's endurance. Rhiv turns back to Tseth. "Answer the question. What does my son matter to you? What are you trying to do with him?"
(Nacho cheese)
(sobbing I’ll get one up tomorrow)
(O kay)
(he's being a good dad I swear-)
(he's just used to yknow people trying to murder Salmook so he's hella skeptical- he just met Resh and Tseth like a few hours ago-)
Tseth: He sighs. It wouldn’t be easy trying to convince Rhiv of anything, and Parvus didn’t get the hint. “He matters to me because he’s my friend. We’re not trying to do anything other than make sure he doesn’t get murdered in a forest by who-knows-what. What do you think we’re trying to do, Rhiv?”
Resh: He catches up to Salmook just in time to see him disappear under a log. He sighs. “Salmook… please come out.”
(When Resh can run at ungodly speeds:)
Salmook: he shivers. Resh is his friend, yeah, but should he listen to a friend or to Pater? he tucks himself deeper into hiding. maybe Resh is just guessing where he is? Salmook keeps his mouth shut, very much conflicted.
Rhiv: he clenches his free hand into a fist, and his hatchet hand squeezes the handle tighter. "You hardly know him. I barely know you. How do I know you don't have something else in mind?" another step forwards. "My kid's safety is the only thing that matters to me, and right now, there's no telling whether or not you're a threat."
Tseth: He watches as Rhiv slowly gets closer to him. Stand your ground. “In my culture… one of the most important things is to protect the younger ones. I respect you for this, Rhiv.” He takes a glance at Rhiv’s hatchet, and slowly sheathes his swords. He puts his hands up. “I do not want to harm you, nor your son. If you want to kill me right now just to make sure, I’m an easy target.”
(tseth)
Resh: He stays silent for a few moments, then sits down, cross legged, near where Salmook is hiding. He speaks in an oddly gentle voice. “Look, kiddo… we’re just trying to help. I know you’re probably a little scared right now… and I don’t blame you…” He seems a little guilty as he says this. “…Please, just come out. I promise I won’t hurt you.”
Parvus: He looks up at Tseth, then chitters loudly at him, clearly protesting his decision. He chitters and squawks frantically, batting at Tseth’s shoes to get his attention.
(>tseth)
(whatttt)
(No dying >:()
(That’s up to Rhiv)
(then no murder)
(Up to Rhiv,)
Rhiv: he stares at Tseth, debating something mentally. he doesn't sheathe his hatchet, but his grip loosens and the blade lowers. he's heard worse excuses than that. he looks over Tseth again, searching for anything hidden. it's a trick, he concludes, and he steps back. "I was thinking I'd make you wish you were dead, but that works too." it's an empty threat. Rhiv is not in the mood for this, and the longer these blockheads waste his time, the less daylight he'll have to work with.
Salmook: well, sticks. Resh most definitely knows where he is. he considers coming out - but what would Pater think? Salmook shakes his head, although Resh probably can't see it. "No!"
(Listen Rhiv just because he has weapons hidden everywhere doesn’t mean he’s gonna use them on you)
(Maybe)
Tseth: He ignores Parvus, watching Rhiv’s body language as he backs up. “What can convince you to come back with us, Rhiv? None of us are a threat to you, and there’s safety in numbers.”
(Not me responding at the wrong time)
(I’m just gonna)