Sirus noticed his gaze, and acknowledged it with an imperceptible nod, it seemed the CHief was on the same page as he was. Though he wasn't against the Chief's grandson intervening… He could only wait to see how this played out.
The grandson stood at the request and walked towards a small chest.
Gwen was actually a little concerned about the suggestion. She had no issue with the Chief’s grandson and knew he was very skilled as both a warrior and a hunter… but the idea didn't seem to sit well with her.
The Chief smiled slightly at Sirus’s acknowledgment as his young relative handed out a rolled parchment and sat down. “Tell me, are you too a warrior?” he asked Sirus.
"Of a sort.." responded Sirus, his voice quiet. "Though more by necessity than choice." he kept one eye on the chief's Grandson as he moved across the room out of habit, but most of his attention was on the Chief, not seeming to notice Gwen's concern.
The Chief raised a brow slightly at the answer but gave a small nod. “My boy.” he said, addressing his grandson. “It is true that you are talented in hunting and a skilled warrior… But I do not believe you accompanying Gwendolyn would be a good match.”
Sirus ignored the raised brow, not wanting to explain unless he was asked directly, and not in front of Gwendolyn. It wasn't that he had anything against her… it was just. It was just that she's the type of person who would want to do something about his situation, or try to make it better. And he had learned long ago that nothing could ever truly do that.
Gwen immediately perked up at the Chief’s decision but stayed quiet.
“But grandfather…”
“I will need you here, should more bounty hunters come. You will need to show me you can lead and lead well.” he explained calmly before turning back to Gwen and Sirus. “You will be able to leave in the morning. Sirus, you will go with Gwen and guide and protect her.”
Sirus nodded, seeming agreeable with this and completely unruffled, despite not really being a part of the tribe… or at least, that's what he thought. Honestly with how much he'd been hanging around for the last 24 hours? He may as well be a tribesman already.
Gwen and the chief’s grandson were surprised by the choice, though Gwen was smiling a little. Even though they haven't known each other for very long, Sirus had saved her and Corbin and proven he was a capable fighter, so she had nothing to object to.
The grandson however seemed to have something to say… but the Chief cut him off before he got a chance. “I wish you both a safe journey and return when the time is right. For now, return home and prepare for the morning.”
“Thank you, Chief.” Gwen bowed her head slightly as she accepted the map and the contract. It would be better if the tribe appeared to have no knowledge of the missing princess or the reward.
Sirus noted the Grandson's attempt to speak on this but didn't do anything about it since the chief had it handled. And with that, he was rising to his feet with Gwen and offering a nod of respect to the chief before following her outside. Once they were outside, he let out a long breath of air, "That was more or less what I meant earlier.." he said softly.
As she stepped outside, Gwen was a mix of surprise, nerves, and excitement. She almost couldn't believe that the Chief had agreed to their plans and had picked Sirus to accompany her… Honestly, she had been almost hoping he would. She turned to face her friend once she realized he had spoken. “What you… Oh. You wanted to come with me? Even if he chose someone else?” she asked just to clarify.
"Maybe.." said Sirus, his tone quiet as the word left his lips, "Either way, I want to help you out with your situation, I know bounty hunters, and I know how to stay low. I can help you do that." he looked over at her, "Is there anything you need to do or should we plan how we're going to do this?"
Gwen smiled a little, grateful for his offered help. “I have no doubt of that. And I wouldn't be surprised if the Chief knew that too but I'm glad you are going with me.” she said sincerely. “Well, I need to tell Rhes about this, hopefully Corbin will be there too. I’ll also need to pack a few things but that can probably wait for before we leave.” she told him already going through the brief list.
Sirus nodded, "Of course," he said softly, nodding along with her plan, "And yes, packing can wait till before we leave." he hummed a bit, already thinking about what he'd need to pick up in the next town to be fully prepared.
Gwen nodded a little and started leading to Corbin’s family tent. She would have to rely on Sirus for any information about towns or other settlements on their way. Since she would be most likely be using the map for the most part on where they were supposed to go and where to go to return. The Chief would most definitely be moving the tribe sometime soon after they left.
Sirus was happy to lend the intel, knowing it would be his strong point as long as Gwen could tell him where they needed to go, he could probably get them there, alive.
Gwen let out a slow breath, trying to calm down as they walked. This would be her last time seeing this little village for probably a month or two… Depending on the travel and what they were meant to bring back. Hopefully, that would be long enough for the tribe to no longer be in danger.
Sirus trailed along beside her, shifting because it was more comfortable for his injuries. Silently he wondered what it must be like for Gwen, leaving someplace where people liked her and cared about her. Where she cared about the people there.
Gwen was shifting the two papers from one hand to the other, trying not to damage either. She had known that she would have to leave for her trial for quite some time, ever since she chose this… but now she felt more like a thief in the night rather than a proud fighter. Perhaps some of her agitation came from the fact that Corbin wouldn't be going with her… but she wasn't going to complain about her new partner.
Sirus knew this was probably difficult for her, going off alone on some quest with someone she barely knew, leaving her friends and her mentor behind. But at least she was still doing it by choice, not out of need
Gwen let out another slow breath as they approached Corbin and Rhes’s tent. Corbin was a smart man and Gwen would be surprised if he didn't already come to the same conclusion that she and Sirus had by now. Though the thought of leaving was still heavy in her heart.
Sirus nudged her hip with his nose as she sighed, trying to be reassuring but probably coming off awkward, though it was pretty clear he was just trying to say that it would all be okay eventually. The very same mantra he'd been living by for awhile now.
Gwen jumped a little at the touch but smiled softly when she realized the action was meant to be assuring. “Thank you.” she said sincerely, gently placing her hand on his shoulder. She had been getting lost in her thoughts until he helped bring her back. She was still a little worried but it was a nice reminder that she wasn't going to be doing this alone.
Sirus nodded, offering a soft wuff of air in acknowledgement as they approached Corbin's family tent, mentally preparing himself to face Rhes again, who had no doubt talked to the healer about him… and.. well… you know how mothers are.
Gwen also realized that was likely and had a good idea of how Rhes would react. She smiled a little at the thought as she walked in.
Corbin was laying down, thankfully sword free and well bandaged, with Rhes sitting next to him. “Ah, there you two are.” she said in relief as she looked up. “Sirus, the healer left this for you and said you are to apply this when your burns start to hurt again. In fact, I think you are supposed to put s on soon.” she informed him holding a bottle in her hand.
Sirus' ears flattened as Rhes offered him the bottle, but shifted back to human and accepted it anyway, moving to slip it into a concealed pocket for later. "Thank you, I'll deal with it tonight," he said quietly, still being stubborn about it all and not about to budge on his stance on the matter, instead just subtly summoning a few more shadows to soothe the burns.