Like a foolish child, he shook the male's hand, his hands very much freezing cold but his grip tight. It wouldn't hurt to be polite after all, even if this man was most likely going to kill him.
He didn't take his eyes off the man though, even as his hand retreated back into the partial warmth offered by the blanket or when the horse wandered off. Apparently, he wasn't worried about his horse running off. And as he glanced over to see that it didn't, he figured it was trained. Quickly his eyes landed back on the male though. Just in time to hear his name.
The surprise was enough to send Jas reeling if he let it, but he pushed down anything besides the surprise that appeared in his eyes. This was the man he had been searching for in the last few months. This was Silkwick Wolfheart.
"It's a pleasure to meet you as well, Wolfheart," Jas replied, the grin growing rapidly, "Is there a correlation between you and the Longhorns? Or just a wild coincidence?"
His words were as smooth of a conversation as he could pull together, but it would pass. And hopefully, pull some of the attention away from his clear shock and to the question instead. The chances that this wasn't the man he was looking for were as close to zero as possible, but it wasn't out of the question. Maybe he was just being messed with. There was always a chance of that.
“While I’m quite the fan of serendipity, I can assure you I’m from the Longhorns,” he replied, nothing but truth seeping from his words. “Well, I lead the Longhorns.”
Silk was covered in one of those long, heavy coats that drooped from his neck to his knees, so the piercing cold of Jasper’s hand surprised him. Poor man— all he had was the puny fire, beside a threadbare blanket.
The gang had found a patch of forest where the sun cut through the trees, and there were fires sprinkled throughout the entire camp. They were infinitely better off than whatever Jasper had been able to pull together, and Silkwick found that biting urge to invite the other man back.
“Based off your reaction, could I make a guess that you were lookin’ for me?” he asked, tilting his head with a challenging smile. “Or, the Longhorns in general?”
Of course Silk didn’t trust Jas, whatsoever. But that’s just the way it went, didn’t it? Even so, he found the impulse to throw caution to the wind and be up front with what he intended.
“If so, you’ve done well, Lion,” he continued, voice moderately playful. “Not everyone just bumps into one of us any given day.”
A bit of pride filled Jas when his suspicions were correct about Silkwick and he just gave a partial shrug. He had been right about his guess of course.
"Well, y'all are a hard group to track down," Jas admitted, matching the challenging smile with one of his own, "But yes, I have been. I suppose my hard work is finally paying off."
He took his eyes off Silk for a second to glance at the fire, watching as it ate through the log he had placed on it minutes before. Soon enough he'd have to put more on. But for now it was fine and gave off enough heat that he was fine with waiting. In a second his eyes were back up on the tall male, now taking his time to note what he looked like as he tried to think through what he wanted to say.
"I suppose I'll just be outright, no use in beating around the bush." Jas tugged his blanket further around him as a small bout of wind rustled through the trees, "I've been searching for y'all because I'm wanting to join your gang. If possible."
Now he just had to wait for Silk's reaction. There were a few different ways this could play out, but he was rooting for the best option, which would be that Silk agreed without too much trouble and his months of searching finally came to a halt. The other option was that he was turned down in some way, and he was back to square one. Back to searching for a different gang to join, hoping they would take him in.
Silk laughed again, looking over to Bear with an expression that almost radiated ’you seein’ this?’
“I mean, not that we’ve been too sporadic with our travel patterns, but the fact that you tracked us down is quite impressive,” he replied, walking over to gather up Bear’s reigns. As he spoke, he began adjusting small packs at the edges of the saddle, slipping his hand in one to find something.
“Now, of course it might take a little work for you to really be one of us,” he continued, voice hindered as he slipped a pin between his teeth to hold it. “But I really like your fire. Well, not the one beside you, ‘cause that thing’s smaller than a snake on stilts. But I like your words, kid. Even if you do seem too good for any of us.”
He raised his eyebrows as he found what he was looking for, taking out pre-rolled cigars and a half-broken lighter. He carefully slipped the pin back in the pack, holding up one of the cigars to offer it to Jas.
“So, you riding on Bear with me or walking alongside? Assuming you’d like to come back to our camp.”
Jas had been a little nervous to wait for Silk's responses, but almost instantly his grin grew when he heard the answer. He had expected maybe a few questions, maybe a little bit of resistance, but instead he had been accepted with fairly open arms. At least that part had gone well.
"My fire is damn fine," He replied with a short laugh, knowing very well that it wasn't, "Nevermind that, I'm prepared to work to join. That's not an issue."
The cigar being offered to him surprised Jas a little, but he accepted it easily. It had been a while since he had smoked anything, but he wasn't a stranger to it, and it far from scared him. Maybe it would help him warm-up. Twirling the cigar between his fingers, he held it out to be lighted.
"I wouldn't mind a ride." He grinned, looking over at the horse. The name was accurate. That being was the size of a bear easily, and from the coloring, it was the match. "As long as Bear isn't going to throw a tantrum and knock me off."
Silk nodded, liking this guy more and more with each word he said. Such authority, already, and such ambition to be part of something other people labeled as bad.
The Longhorns were always looked down upon, called ‘bandits’ and ‘thieves’ and ‘good-for-nothing criminals crazy enough to eat the devil with horns on.’ Silk had always remembered vaguely every insult shot his way, mostly because they made him laugh with their inaccuracy. There were people in the Longhorns that wouldn’t— couldn’t— hurt a fly, and would never steal anything. It was simply just a team of misfits, all roped together to a makeshift family. And Silkwick couldn’t love it more.
“Sounds good,” he replied, holding a hand over the flame as he tried his best to get the lighter working. He stepped forward, sort of disheveled as he lighted Jas’s cigar.
“God, need myself a new lighter,” he grumbled as he lit his own, then slipped the little trinket in his inner coat pocket. “And alright, all aboard. He won’t knock you off… probably.”
Silk grabbed hold of the saddle horn, hoisting himself up as Bear pranced impatiently. He steadied the horse with a few ‘woah’s, and offered Jas a hand up.
Jas nodded in something similar to thanks as the cigar was lighted and without a second thought, he started packing up his camp. It really didn't take long. Especially considering all he had to do was shove his blanket into his pack, swing said pack onto his shoulders, and sprinkle a weak handful of snow over the flames. Within a minute he was ready to go, eyeing Bear up as the horse pranced about.
"Now I hope you're not going to go murder me," He said as he balanced the cigar between his lips and took Silk's hand, "But if you plan on it, I'll haunt you until the day you die."
He hoisted himself up onto Bear's back with the help of Silk, settling down closer to the other male than he liked. There wasn't anywhere else to sit though, and he didn't want to take his chances sitting farther down on Bear's back. Especially if he was anything like Jas' horse from home. Regant was a stubborn horse and had been from the day Jas got him to the day he passed him onto his sister.
He glanced over his sorry excuse for a camp one more time, making sure he had everything before nodding to himself.
This was going to either be the best decision of his life, or one of the worst.
“Don’t be so tense, Lion,” Silk laughed, teetering his head. “Bear can smell fear.”
It was an obvious joke, but it was true the horse was tricky. Of course, Bear had only bucked Silk off a few times, and that was before Silk broke him. Now, it was sort of a thick-skulled, stubborn friendship between them. It mostly consisted of Bear nipping at Silk’s feet to watch him dance, or just being a challenge in general.
“And hold on tight, kid. There’re no easy thoroughfares ‘round here back to camp, and I gotta pick up a few more supplies on the way,” he continued, clicking to Bear as the horse began to trot forward. Since the horse was, well, massive, his trot was relatively comfortable. Of course, Silk also kept him slower than normal, so he didn’t overwork the poor animal. It had been a long day of travel, and while Silk knew Bear could handle whatever, he liked to be nice.
He turned Bear abruptly, the horse responding without a second thought— like he was already on autopilot back to the camp. The horse had a wonderful sense of direction, Silk had to admit.
It didn’t take long for them to reach a small alcove filled with just a few crates. Silk stopped Bear, grabbed the reigns so Jas would feel more comfortable, and began unpacking. It mainly consisted of blankets and cloths, along with a few smaller trinkets Silk could slip in the saddle packs. He handed the rest to Jas, making sure the man could hold it, and pulled himself back up onto Bear. With a few more jostles of his spurs, Bear was back on track.
"I'm not a kid, I'll let you know that," Jas replied, a joking grin clear on his face as he grabbed onto the back of the saddle to stay on Bear. He hadn't ridden a horse in a while, and that was very much clear in how ramrod straight he was sitting. Bear's trot wasn't terribly uncomfortable though and he settled into the movement quickly, already used to it by the time they stopped.
He watched carefully as Silk stopped the horse and hopped off, asking easily at the sight of supplies, "Is this all for the rest of the Longhorns?" It made sense, but he was surprised by the number of blankets that he was handed. that and the fact that it made holding onto the back of the saddle much more difficult.
At least the fabric on his lap provided a little warmth.
Without his own blanket, he was freezing for the most part. Yes, Bear did provide some warmth, but it wasn't enough to keep him comfortably warm. In reality, it was just about enough to taunt him with the prospect of warmth. Hopefully, he would be able to get in front of another fire soon.
“Sure is,” Silk replied after taking another drag of his cigar. “You’d be surprised. We use this kinda stuff for everything. From lean-to’s to fly masks.”
It wasn’t long before they made it back to the camp. Many people were inside their makeshift lean-tos already, leaving just a few men around the fire. They all looked grizzled and war-hardened, holding glasses of ale and breathing into their free hands to keep them warm. As Bear slowed to a stop, Silk dismounted, grabbing the supplies and bringing them to a nearby crate. He nodded a hello to the men before tying up Bear and shifting his gaze back over to Jas.
“Well, Lion, welcome to the camp,” he said, gesturing with his arms wide open. “But here’s the thing…”
He turned back around, taking a slight step closer to the man.
“It takes a lot to join this bee as a brother, you got it? We’re a family. Every single one of us, backing the other up through and through. These folks over here? Some of the most dangerous ones you can get. You’ll have to watch where you step until you prove penny for nickel, alright?”
Although his words may have sounded sinister, his tone sure wasn’t. If anything, that was about as hostile as an open invitation.
Silk turned back around again, stroking Bear’s muzzle once before beginning to walk away, gesturing for Jas to follow.
“Let’s get you acquainted, shall we?” he asked, glancing back over his shoulder with a mischievous smile.
Jas followed Silk off of the horse with the fabric he had been tasked to hold in his arms. Following, he set the blankets on top of the crate, then like a lost dog, continued to follow Silk around. He didn't know any more of these people after all, and from the looks of them, they would all tear him limb-for-limb within seconds.
"I'll be sure to do my best to earn their trust," He replied carefully, following after him.
He didn't fully trust Silk's smile, but he followed anyway, regretting the decision of putting his blanket in his pack. It had gotten colder as night had drawn close, and he wasn't near his fire now, especially with no blanket around his shoulders. Meaning he was as good as a popsicle. Even taking a drag of his cigar didn't help much. The smoke was comforting to see though.
"I'm ready to meet the rest of y'all," He replied, grinning back at Silk as he glanced over at the members of the gang he could see. This was going to be fun.
Silk let out a chuckle. It was a dodgy one, but joyous nonetheless.
“Glad to know you’re smart,” he replied, trucking over to another crate. He drew out two bottles, then tossed one to Jas’s feet. He figured he’d start testing the kid tomorrow, considering Silk was already tired out of his mind. He’d never show it though, still keeping that charming smile plastered on his face.
With a flick of his head, he gestured for Jas to follow him, and took a stance around the fire with the rest of the men.
“‘ey, Silky,” the thinner one mumbled, clearly already intoxicated. “What scraps you brought back?”
“Lion,” Silk called back to Jas, putting a hand on the man’s shoulder and pointing out the members. “I want you to meet Dierks—“ he pointed to the one who had spoke, a scar tearing through the left side of his face— “Dodge and Micha—“ he gestured to two younger men, each looking oddly similar, short red hair and bright smiles— “And this ‘ere’s Butch—“ he slapped a hand atop the bigger man’s shoulder.
“Everyone,” he continued, “this is Jas. Welcome him with open arms, but don’t make it too easy, alright?”
“Rodger that, Silky,” Dierks replied, raising a glass. His black hair fell into his eyes, one of them stained a milky white from the scar. “Welcome, kid.”
With that, Silk sat down, gesturing beside him for Jas to do the same.
Just like the cigar, Jas accepted the bottle without question, and after a quick glance at it, he determined it was some form of alcohol. Another grin formed on his face at that, especially as he followed Silk.
It was strange to hear himself called 'Lion'. Normally a nickname was enough for him to punch someone, but this one he actually didn't mind terribly, even if it was one that he hadn't made for himself. The men seemed not to care about it. They just seemed to accept him with the same openness as Silk had. At least at the moment, he did.
He nodded in greeting to each of the men, matching names to faces as he toyed with the top of the bottle. "Nice to meet y'all," Jas said around his cigar, grinning at them as he raised his bottle in return. Getting to know these men was going to be fun, as well as challenging to earn their trust. But he was up for it.
Taking the cue that Silk gave to sit, he did so, not instantly at ease but more relaxed. He sat forward, arms resting on his knees and the bottle dangling from his fingers still untouched. Jas loved alcohol, but getting drunk in front of these men was a decision even he wasn't willing to risk. Not at the moment anyway.
“Silkie, when you said you were gonna get the rest of the things, I didn’t think that meant you’d pick up a stray, too,” Butch grumbled, voice certainly suiting his gruff demeanor. But it had an odd fondness to it, like a parent ridiculing their kid for a mistake.
“Nah, I liked this one,” Silk replied smoothly, jutting out an elbow to nudge Jasper’s arm. “Plus, he’s not a stray if he’s lookin’ for something. And this fella was lookin’ for us.”
“You best be mad,” Dierks butted in with a hitched laugh. “You’re looking for a group of mal-mannered misfits?”
“Ey, we ain’t that bad,” Dodge piped. The drunker of the two brothers, Micha, just gave a satisfactory nod.
“Some of us, at least,” Butch responded, dark eyes looking down to Jas. “So, what did Silkie here tell you about himself?”
“Yeah?” Dodge snickered, a grin playing upon his lips. “They say he killed a man, once.”
“I’m sitting right here, Doggie,” Silk uttered. Despite the obvious jokes, Silk shot Dierks a slightly uneasy glance.
Dierks cleared his throat, shifting the attention back to Jas.
“But, my question still stands, kid,” he said, reclining back on his elbows. “Who are ya? Where ya from? Why’re ya lookin’ for a group of hard-headed criminals?”
Jasper stayed silent as he let the others talk, grinning and chuckling occasionally while he waited for his turn to speak. He didn't even attempt to answer all the questions, just replied while taking the first sip of his drink and taking the remainder of his cigar out of his mouth.
"I was lookin' for y'all it's true. Mostly because the rumors intrigued me, and I was lookin' for adventure, so why the hell not."
He shrugged, grinning and adding in, "Plus I figured it was a better decision to be with the hard-headed criminals and misfits than against them. I feel like this is a much better place for me to be."
Jas really didn't want to reveal much about himself, especially about where he came from. That normally got a good laugh out of anyone he talked to and led to a bit of them trying to match his accent. Strangely enough, though, people only seemed to notice the difference in how he talked once he pointed out that he had grown up out East.
"I'm a former thief and a nobody, if you must know. Born out on the East coast in a town smaller than a tick on a horse. Now, do I get to ask the same to the rest of y'all? See who I'm working with?"
Dierks smirked, and by Silk’s reaction to it, it was clear that that only happened on a rare occasion.
“Hell yeah, I like this kid, too,” Butch replied, a bright smile cracking through his stone demeanor. He clapped Jas on the shoulder. “You even talk like one of us. Silkie, can we keep ‘em?”
“That was my question to you lot,” Silk replied, leaning back with a snort. “And y’all, go ‘round the fire introducing yourselves. Only nice we gave him a proper greeting— he said it himself.”
“Alright, alright,” Butch replied, setting down his own bottle. “I’m, as you know, Butch. I’m the blacksmith ‘round here, and also the chef.”
“Best chef we have,” Dodge butted in.
“Only chef we have,” Dierks corrected. He then shifted his gaze back over to Jasper. “and I’m Dierks. I’ve known Silkie here the longest, and we’re the founders of the Longhorns. I take care of the routes, maps, and stuff. The team navigator, if you will.”
“And he does one hell of a job,” Silk whispered over to Jas. Dierks just waved off the compliment, taking another swig of his own bottle.
“I’m Micha,” one of the red-headed brothers slurred, and Dodge had to keep him from falling over.
“I’m Dodge. Joined the Longhorns ‘bout a few years ago. We keep track of supplies and the like,” Dodge continued.
Silk nodded in approval, then sat back upright, attention flitting back to Jas.
“And, I’m sure you know who I am. Silkwick Wolfheart, leader of the Longhorns, silver-tongued beauty, yadda yadda,” he said with a playful smile.
Jas grinned and laughed as Butch clapped him on the shoulder. This was going a lot better than he had expected it too. Not only was everyone alright with him staying, but they were already joking around as well, which made him feel much more at home. This wasn't his usual group, but it was one he figured he would learn to love, especially if they were all this nice.
"Well, it's nice to meet y'all, I'll definitely be mixin' up names for a while though," He joked, taking another sip. The alcohol burned as it went down, but it woke him up and warmed him up with the help of the fire. "I'm taking a wild guess and saying there are quite a few more members around, but I suppose I'll meet them tomorrow? If I'm allowed to stay?"
He matched Silk's playful smile at his introduction, once again joking as he replied, "You may be the leader but I have yet to see if the rest is right."
The only question on his mind now was how he would help the Longhorns. It seemed they had a good variety of jobs already taken, and the only thing he decided he could maybe offer to help with was working with Butch. At the moment blacksmith work and cooking didn't sound terrible. Unless there were other jobs he didn't know about yet.
(oH? I’m so sorry I thought I replied!)
“Yeah, there’s a few others,” Silk replied, leaning back on his elbows yet again. “They ain’t here though. They’re down the route a little ways. Figured splitting us off into two smaller groups would be better. Dierks’s idea, giving credit where it’s due.”
Dierks just nodded, eyes still stationary on the fire.
“Although, you better meet Lottie,” Butch said suddenly, grinning. “She’ll give ya a run for your money. They say she could even tie Silk down, which ain’t an easy task.”
“Oh, come on, Butch,” Dierks grumbled sarcastically. “Give the man a break.”
“Nah, Butch, keep it coming,” Silk prompted. “He’s right— if anyone can break me, it’s Lottie. That woman’s a steel rod of a gal. Best Jasper here knows to steer clear of ‘er.”
“She’s the only one here damn near responsible, that’s for sure,” Dierks replied. He then turned his gaze to Jasper. “Long as you don’t get on her bad side, you’ll… survive.”
(All ok, no sweat :) )
Jasper drummed his fingers on the glass as the others spoke, asking once there was a break in the conversation, "I'll do my best to stay off her bad side. Though I suppose first I'll have to meet her."
Just from the sound of this woman, Jasper didn't know how well an interaction would go down, but he figured it couldn't end terribly. As long as he didn't end up drunk enough to goof off around her or comfortable enough in the group to become a little bastard, it couldn't end horribly. He hoped.
"Well, when can I introduce myself?" He added after a moment's pause, taking a swig of his drink while looking around at the group, "She can't be that bad."
It all depended on just how much of a steel rod she actually was though. If she was anything like his older sister, Clara, this would be interesting. His younger sisters weren't nearly as hardheaded as she was, and she could out-stubborn Jasper any day of the week. If Lottie ended up being anything like her…meeting her could go one of two ways. Both ending with Jasper wondering what would happen if Clara and Lottie ever met.
“Can’t be that bad…,” Silk repeated, grinning. “Ignorance is bliss, Lion. But you’ll probably meet ‘er tomorrow. She’s in her tent now, and unless you want knuckles to the jaw, I’d stay out of it.”
There was a pause as Silk finished off his bottle, setting it off to the side.
“In all honesty, kid, don’t worry about her. She’s sweet when she wants to be. We just give her a bad rep ‘cuz she’s hard as bones.” Silk’s eyes flickered up to Butch, who had pushed himself to his feet.
“Yeah, yeah, Lottie’s a good one. Most of the time,” he replied, stretching out his arms. “Now I’m tuckered, so I’m heading off. Gotta big day tomorrow. It’s not my place to say, but Silkie, don’t stay up too late. Alright?”
“Alright alright,” the man muttered under his breath. “Now get outta here. Take Dog and Micha, too.”
There were a few muttered between Dodge and Butch as they helped Micha stand, taking the drunken man back around the side of the camp. It left just Silk and Dierks, both looking to Jasper.
“Silkie, are we doin’ inventory in the morning?” Dierks asked, tossing his own bottle aside.
“Yeah. Unfortunately,” Silk uttered. He then turned to Jasper, offering him a smile. “You wanna start workin’ tomorrow? Help Dierks and I with navigation and supplies?”
He chuckled softly as he watched Dodge and Butch lead Micha away. It was always funny watching someone stumble away with help, though he had been the one being led away before, and it wasn't quite as fun.
"If you want my help I'll be happy to give it," Jasper said, smiling back before finishing off what was left in his bottle. Unlike the others though, he kept it in hand, tapping out a barely audible tune on the glass. "Until then though, where's a good spot for me to spend the night?"
He glanced around the camp, knowing very well that he didn't have a tent to set up. If push came to shove, he could sleep by the fire, but he wanted to see if there was somewhere he could stay instead.
"I can make something work, but I figured asking wouldn't do any harm," He added, finally setting his bottle next to his feet.
At very least, he hoped maybe he could swipe a blanket for the night. Something warmer than the threadbare excuse he carried currently. He had been saving and swiping coins to buy a new blanket before coming across the Longhorns, but clearly he hadn't been able to do so yet.
“You can take my tent. I can clear out the other side of it,” Silk replied.
“Ey, give him at least one night before you start romancing him, Chief.” Dierks grinned, raising his eyebrows. “Unless you’re thinking’ bout sleeping out in the snow.”
“Hell no, it’s hella cold out here, man,” Silk uttered, glaring over to the man with narrowed eyes. “If I’m sleeping anywhere else, it’s in your tent, Di.”
“Oh?” the other man answered, tone sultry as he smiled. “Aren’t you sowing oats.”
Silk sighed, looking back to Jasper. “Listen, I just wanna keep an eye on you, kid. And I’d rather not have a potential working man hook up with frostbite on his first day. Half of my tent is filled with important supplies, but we can clear ‘em out and move ‘em to Dierks’s, so you can take it up. Or— Dierks, you gotta empty space, huh?”
“I do. Rookie went with the other group yesterday morning, so I’m empty,” he replied, nodding.
Silk pushed himself back to sitting upright, stretching out his arms as he said, “Alright, well you can stay with Dierks or I until we get you your own tent and partner. Until we get further south, we’re sleeping in tents with pairs of two so it doesn’t get so cold. Nothing personal, either, so don’t think anything of it.”
“Yeah, you can stay with me or Silkie until you start working, and then you’ll probably house with whoever you work alongside,” Dierks continued. “And we won’t take it personally. Silk and I are used to sleeping alone, for the sake of keeping some supplies from frosting over, I guess.”
Jasper didn't bother to hide his laugh at the interaction, watching the two of them. It was hilarious to see the difference in their personalities, as well as to see the looks Silk shot in response.
"I'll stay with whoever doesn't mind, or whoever won't stab me in my sleep," He eventually said, chuckling as he looked between the two of them, "Maybe it's better to say whoever is less likely to do so."
For joining the Longhorns so recently, they seemed to be quite comfortable with the whole situation. He knew that he wouldn't be as accepting if in the same position, especially when it came to sharing a tent. Jasper would be much more wary as to what random strangers he spent an entire night around. But it was Silk's decision, and he would leave it to him.
"If ya'll are worried as well, I don't snore. And I won't take up much room." If he wanted to voice his opinion, his choice would be to share with Silk, for no other reason than he trusted the male more than Dierks. It would take more work to clear out the extra space in Silk's tent though, and he wasn't exactly sure what they would think of spending time to clean it out if there was already a space open in the other tent.
