@StarryWolfy flash_onCrazy Procrastinator
Sirus seemed to pick up on this with a small frown, "Is there anyone willing to go with you?" he asked softly, almost a little sympathetic.
Sirus seemed to pick up on this with a small frown, "Is there anyone willing to go with you?" he asked softly, almost a little sympathetic.
“I’m not sure.” Gwen admitted. “I mean, I’m more accepted now than when I first arrived and I have some friends here. But… I don't know if anyone would volunteer.” she told him.
Sirus sighed, "Alright, well… I think the first thing to do is to take this to your chief immediately. We'll see what he says before we go any further, then make plans from there." he watched her face to see if she agreed with him. And hopefully I don't regret getting myself involved in this…
“The sooner, the better.” Gwen nodded a few times quickly as she agreed completely with the fact that the Cheif needed to know all of this. “Wait, what do you mean by that?” she asked in confusion. She had figured that he would be going with her to talk to the Cheif but beyond that… She wasn't sure.
(Ah Frick, Accidentally lost this for a bit)
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Sirus gave her a confused look in return, not entirely sure what she meant. He also didn't realize he'd said that last bit out loud either, so that was probably why. That and he was also still questioning why he was even planning on assisting her, especially since he had his own problems to deal with.
(It's ok. Glad you found it before I bumped it 😉)
“You said “before we go any further”… Do you have any idea about what to do after we talk to the Chief?” Gwen asked at his confused expression. A part of her hoped Sirus would stick around but she wouldn't be surprised if he had to leave and go somewhere on his own.
(Yea, me too! XD)
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Sirus blinked, then shook his head a little, "I… I'm not sure yet." he answered finally, not wanting to lie to her, but not wanting to say what he was thinking just yet. "Let's see what the chief says before I get to that…" he said, floundering a little.
“Ok.” Gwen nodded softly. “That sounds like a good start.” she said before starting back towards the camp, thinking that whatever plan he might have was dependent on what the Chief told them after they informed him of what happened earlier.
Honestly, his plan was more dependent on the author, meaning it was already going a certain direction. But how it got turned in that direction did more or less hinge on the chief's reaction. Kinda.
(LOL!)
Gwen continued to lead back to the camp, a little nervous about how things might turn out once they told the Chief the plan… Well, technically it was her plan but she didn't often get to speak to the Chief. So far she had only spoken with him twice, maybe three times; when she first arrived, when she started training, and that brief time when she became a hunter.
(Please excuse me if there is extra snark. I've had an AWFUL week.)
Sirus shifted as he trailed after Gwen, padding by her side trying to think over his next moves, and weigh out the risks for both of them.
(You’re fine. Sorry to hear about your week though.)
Gwen didn't mind Sirus’s change. She was still a bit preoccupied with everything at the moment. The thought of possibly going on her final test, of leaving the one place that felt most like a home for… who knows how long, and the concern of who would lead/guide her. It didn't take too much longer before they reached the camp.
Sirus padded alongside her, his pawsteps nearly silent as he let her lead them further into the village. His ears were tilted back slightly until he realized it and shook himself in annoyance, disgusted by the old habit.
Gwen briefly noticed the action but assumed that Sirus was nervous as well. She did her best to ignore everything and everyone else as they approached the Chief’s tent. It was bigger than most of the other tents and much more decorated but there was a unique warmth emanating from it. “I have important information to give the Chief.” she said, her voice surprisingly steady as she announced herself. Though she didn't mean to exclude her companion and wanted him to be able to come with her if he had anything to say.
Sirus found himself consciously forcing himself to act confident, the sense of leadership and authority that the tent gave off reminding him of.. less pleasant things. As warm as it might seem to Gwen, it was intimidating and even triggering for Sirus, who had stayed a few steps behind Gwen, intending to follow her, but not wanting to intrude.
The familiar form of the chief’s grandson opened the tent and ushered the two in. The Chief was sitting down facing the entrance with the fire in front of him. Gwen bowed her head slightly in respect out of old habit before kneeling on the ground.
Sirus shifted back before he entered out of respect, copying her example with his own air of self-independence, though part of it was completely forced. Though he'd also gotten quite good at forcing it, and so it didn't show unless you really knew what to look for. Silently he waited for Gwen to speak.
“I’m glad to see you both alright.” the Chief spoke first. “The healer told me that you were in a fight and Corbin was injured.”
Gwen nodded slowly, not surprised that the healer had already told him. “Yes, sir. A team of bounty hunters who were after me attacked us.” she confirmed handing him the contract. “The King seems desperate to get me back.”
Sirus kept a passive expression at the Chief's brief expression of concern for his wellbeing, confused as to why the chief would concern himself over a shifter who didn't belong to his tribe. But besides that, he was focused on what they were saying, offering a nod of agreement in confirmation of Gwen's words.
The Chief frowned a little as he read the paper but nodded briefly for them to continue.
“Sirus and I believe that more bounty hunters will keep coming until one of them gets the reward.” Gwen explained, her voice shaking slightly at the thought. “It… It may not be safe for me to stay with the Tribe. My presence here puts everyone in danger.”
Sirus nodded again, supporting her words but still staying silent, and also ignoring the ache from the burns he'd suffered earlier, the icy chill of the shadows under his shirt not helping much anymore.
“If one member of our tribe is threatened, we all fight.” the grandson said firmly and a little angrily as he clenched his hand.
The chief shook his head at his younger heir. “That is true but if Gwendolyn wants to leave, we will not interfere.” he said calmly.
Gwen nodded a little, grateful for the Chief's assurance. “I know it is not traditional but… with your permission, I would like to leave to begin my warrior’s trial.” she explained. “While I am gone, anyone looking for me should pass the tribe by when they realize I'm not here and continue their search elsewhere.”
Sirus internally relaxed at the Chief's calmer disposition, thankful that he seemed to be open to Gwen's plan… Now if they could just get past the issue of Corbin's injury. Then maybe everything would turn out okay, maybe… At least it would for Gwendolyn.
The Chief laughed lightly. “Young huntress, very little of your time with us has been traditional.” he reminded her. “However with your mentor injured, you realize he can not go with you.”
Gwen nodded again. “I know. But if I wait for Corbin to heal… Someone else may arrive and hurt more people.”
“Grandfather, you know I am a strong warrior. Perhaps I could guide Gwen on her trial.”
The Chief nodded slowly, almost thoughtfully, at his grandson’s suggestion. “You could… If you would retrieve the map.” he replied though he was looking at Sirus.
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