forum More boredom.... (OxO) Closed!

Started October 07, 2020 by @StarryWolfy flash_onCrazy Procrastinator

tune

Sirus nodded, his posture relaxing some as the mood went back up into a comfortable silence, and stayed that way until they had returned to the edges of the camp.

Gwen smiled at him once more before letting his preferred quiet linger around them. Though there was a small sense of unease that followed her. She couldn't put her finger on it but it was easily pushed away as they reentered the tribe’s camp.

Sirus was used to feeling on edge for no reason at all, so the sense of unease he shared with Gwen as they finished their walk back to camp was entirely ignored as unnecessary paranoia, which he easily pushed away once they reentered the camp.

Gwen let out a soft sigh and continued walking back to her tent. “After we're done with this chore, we can eat something before going back to training.” she told him, though it may have sounded like she was asking if it was alright than actually telling him.

Sirus nodded, "Sounds reasonable," he said, noting where the sun was in the sky for reference. "I'll probably head out on my own for a hunt then… and meet you back at the training grounds."

“Oh. Ok, then.” she nodded, not having expecting that answer but she wasn't going to discourage him.

Sirus nodded, trying to give her a reassuring expression, to let her know that this wasn't anything against her. And of course, once the chores were dealt with, he bid his temporary goodbyes to head for the woods, having made it clear he'd meet Gwen at the training fields within the hour.

Gwen gave a brief wave when Sirus left and stayed with Rhes and Jeim. She wasn't offended by his decision to hunt, though she had intended to invite him to join her and the family. That aside, she was looking forward to training with him again. Maybe he could offer some tips on swordplay.

Sirus of course felt he needed the time to process all the newness of hanging around people who were genuinely friendly, and not just to each other but to him as well. Being a bounty hunter he most often dealt with hardened criminals, and the occasional stuck up noble that needed rescuing, and once or twice a demanding merchant, all of whom never minded much when he remained emotionally cut off from the world. But Gwen and her mentor's family, and even Corbin himself… All of them seemed to want to draw him into their little fold of positive companionship… and he couldn't for the life of him understand why.

Of course, Gwen and Corbin’s family had no way of knowing this. Corbin himself was usually a friendly man which is part of the reason why he was willing to take the chance and train Gwen when he saw her potential. There were some people in the tribe who were not so gracious; such as Merik, the young man who mocked Gwen when Sirus arrived. He seemed to have a vendetta against Gwen for punching him when she was brought to the tribe.

Gwen, on the other hand, wanted to show the best of what being with these people had done for her. And she felt the best way to do that was to be, mostly, open with her guest.

And of course, Sirus wasn't sure if he wanted them to know this either, a thought that led right back to his inability to move on from past experiences to a better spot of self-acceptance, and courage to move on to a new life.

The only one who suspected anything was “wrong” with Sirus was Rhes, mostly because of their conversation earlier and her “mother’s intuition”. The tribe had encountered other bounty hunters before, usually when they were just passing through so they never really interacted with them to the extent that they were with Sirus. And Gwen had only heard about them… So perhaps they thought his behavior was typical of someone with this job?

Sirus was growing increasingly wary of Rhes' perceptiveness, not sure if opening up would bring more pain or not. That and he was sorely unfamiliar with the inexplicable care and kindness of a mother. As for Gwen, he was actually rather glad she didn't seem to find him unusual. This of course was the same attitude he had for most nobles, who were usually inexperienced with his type.

Gwen did enjoy having a moment without her new shadow tagging along. In a way, Sirus’ presence reminded her of all the times she was escorted by guards in the palace. Not an unpleasant feeling but she liked to think she was no longer that helpless little girl who needed constant protection.

But aside from the reasons and emotions involved with Sirus' decision to hunt for his lunch alone, he was true to his words before, and at the appropriate time his big dark furry self was padding out of the treeline near the training fields, about the same area as they were this morning.

Gwen and Corbin were already at the training grounds, eagerly waiting for him. Corbin was correcting Gwen’s stance even though she wasn't holding a sword yet. And she was obviously annoyed by that fact but she doing her best to focus on the lesson.

(Hey! I haven't forgotten this exists I swear! I just… this week was the first official week of school and it hit me hard)
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Sirus padded quietly in their direction, his furry self now completely dry, and even a little fluffy. Honestly, wolf fur is one of the softest things you can get, maybe not nightshade, as their coats tend to be thin and shaggy; best suited for chilly humidity. Either way, he shifted back midstride as he approached the pair, observing Gwen's frustration with a calm eye.

(Welcome back! It's ok. I'm sorry to hear that school started rough but I hope it gets better for you.)

Gwen let out a huff and furrowed her brow as she held the position for a moment before swinging the practice sword a few times.

Corbin sighed, shaking his head at Gwen’s attempted swordplay. Apparently, it wasn't a strong point for her. “She’s gotten better but… I don't know if I’m failing her because I don't use swords often or if she's just not meant to hold one.” he admitted to Sirus when he noticed his presence.

(It's not that it was rough, it's just… idk.. I have very little motivation to actually do shit. so…. yea)
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Sirus shrugged, "I know nothing about swords, so I couldn't tell you to be honest." he said softly, observing her movements, "Your movements are a little off though." he said, speaking directly to Gwen, "You need to relax your shoulders."

(Mood)

Gwen spun around at Sirus’s suggestion, looking at him a little confused. “They are?” she said, though she sounded uncertain. She rolled her shoulders slightly and let out a slow breath in an attempt to follow his advice.

Sirus hummed softly, watching her a little more closely now. He noted that her stance was a little better, but she was still trying too hard.

Gwen’s main problem was most likely the fact that she was still trying too hard to mimic some of the maneuvers she had seen the palace guards use. The movements were too wide for her and some of her steps were a little unbalanced because of it.

Sirus eventually sighed and stepped in front of her, not enjoying seeing her struggle through movements that should be fluent and easy. "Gwen" he said softly, "Stop trying so hard." his face held a passive expression and his tone was gentle. "You're trying too hard to pull off the movements." He of course was intensely aware of Corbin's proximity, not wanting to interfere too much in his training, but it was near painful to watch her struggle with movements he'd seen other warriors pull off with ease.

Gwen froze when he walked up to her and lowered her practice weapon. “I have to try hard.” she told him, not backing down from his gaze… though it was a little disarming. “Becoming a warrior is very important to me and I have to work hard at it. If you have any suggestions on how to do this, then you're welcome to show me.”

Corbin stood back and watched quietly. Maybe Sirus would be able to help Gwen in a way he hadn't been able to.