forum I summon thee @Young-Dusty

Started May 08, 2019 by @amber_is_in_a_loop

tune

(I'll be working all day today so I won't be on much after this, fair warning)
"Sure is," Rick agreed. "We owe a lot to that Deorn kid now that he's doing the hunting. I think we coulda managed without him, but his methods are a lot quieter than using a gun, and faster than settin' a trap."

« That’s definitely true. They really aren’t the dangerous creatures people think, you know? I still remember when there was peace between us and them, » she reminisced. « It was a nice place to live back then. » She clicked her tongue.

"Yep. I mean, sure didn't hurt that most humans back then didn't even know Deorns existed, but there you go." He shook his head. "Seems like some people just can't figure out how to be tolerant of folks that are different from 'em. Yeah, they destroyed homes and ruined livelihoods, but it was us that forced 'em to go to war in the first place."

« There’s always a peaceful way to deal with things, » Charlotte said through a mouthful. « Learned that the hard way. »
She finished eating, and set her bowl down on the grass.

"It ain't an easy lesson to learn," Rick replied. "'Specially for young people. And I guess I'm one to talk…..bein' a mercenary and all…..but I'm only really in this line of work because it's what I know. That's why I perked up so much when we started talkin' about a farm." He put a lid on the remaining stew and set it over the fire again to keep it warm. Now that Jessie was asleep, he ventured to ask again. "Were you being serious when you said you'd like that, Charlotte? I understand if you were just goin' along with it for Jessie's sake…"

Charlotte kept her stare trained on the flickering firelight, intent on being honest now matter how much of an effort it’d take. « I haven’t had a family in nearly 20 years. A few days changed that. I don’t know if you realize how much that took, for me. So yes. I was being completely serious. »

Rick was silent for a minute as he absorbed her words. He could tell she wasn't speaking lightly. "I am honored to be a part of it," he said softly. "This family, I mean. I promise I'll do everything I can to keep us safe and happy." Even if it means leaving someday. The unwanted thought broke into his head as he spoke, bringing memories of his old family down south and their bitter arguing. He fell silent, trying to convince himself that what happened before wouldn't happen again, not with these people. But the nasty, unfamiliar murmur of doubt still lingered in the back of his mind, and his gaze dropped from Charlotte to the slumbering fire.

He fell silent, and she wondered why. Maybe he wanted the conversation to end? She let it, unsure about what to say.
"Okay, well we've got to be in shape tomorrow so I'm going to sleep now." Is that okay? Do you want me to stay up? Do you want to talk?

Rick glanced up again with his usual good-natured expression. "Sounds like a good plan. I think I'll sleep too." He was still a bit upset by the intrusive thoughts nagging him, but figured that he was just tired, and that his mood would lighten again by morning. Using his backpack as a pillow, he laid down in the long prairie grass nearby. "G'night, Charlotte."

« Goodnight, Rick. »
Charlotte shut her eyes against her anxious thoughts, and went to sleep quickly enough.

Rick closed his eyes as well, and sleep came for him just as swiftly.
One they were both quiet, Slash–who'd been sitting in the darkness just across the creek–now raised his head and eyed the humans silently. He could easily tell that Rick and Charlotte were becoming closer friends every day, and it made him restless. The instinct to give them space was growing stronger as well, and the more primitive part of his brain warned that they might attack if Slash got between them. But the other part of him didn't want to leave. He liked having friends, and feeling useful to them. He had a feeling that if he returned to solitude again, that solitude would remain for far too long.
So, he did nothing, just let out a slightly bitter breath and went back to watching the moon rise.
(I guess we can skip to the morning next, unless you have other plans)

Charlotte woke to Jessie stoking a fire.
The girl was sat cross legged, tongue sticking out, her ponytail dangling dangerously close to the flame.
Charlotte yawned, and sat up.
"Your hair, Jess."
The girl jumped and looked up, her hair flicking aside.

Rick heard Charlotte speak and drifted into consciousness, sitting up sleepily. Slash was already out hunting, it seeemed, despite the early hour. Rick yawned and put on his hat, which had fallen off in the night. "Mornin'. We left some stew for you last night, Jessie, did you find it?"

She nodded and intently returned to the fire.
« Good morning there Rick. Good sleep? » Charlotte murmured, crawling closer to the fire to warm up.

"Pretty good," he replied, moving closer to the fire. "How 'bout you two?"

« Great! » Jessie chimed, pulling a cooking plate closer to heat some breakfast. « Slash went off hunting. »
Charlotte nodded, and looked up to the sky.
« Pretty clear day. Easy visibility, which might be a disadvantage. Depends on how bright the sun will get. »

Rick nodded, brushing away some grass seeds that had gotten stuck to him in the night. "Sounds like conditions could be worse. I'm ready to start scoutin' as soon as Slash gets back and we've all eaten."

"Alright. When are we thinking of leaving?" Charlotte thought out loud, taking the bowl Jessie was handing to her and passing over the one for Rick.

"Sometime before noon, I guess," Rick replied, accepting the food. "Might as well make use of as much of the day as possible. How many of us are goin' on this scouting trip, by the way?"

Charlotte looked up at Jessie, who avoided looking back. "Well… I'd like to go in any case, but I don't mind going alone. It's up to you all who wants to come with but I'd rather Jessie stay here and rest."
Jessie's gaze flitted up momentarily, silently thanking Charlotte.

"That's fair. I guess when Slash gets back, I'll ask him if he's goin' or stayin', and then make my choice from there."
Slash popped his head oer the hill. "Oh, sorry, I've been back for a while. What do you need me for?"
Rick took a breath and carefully put his knife back in his sheath. "Don't scare me like that, son. I was gonna ask if you felt like keepin' Jessie here company while Charlotte and I scout the area."
"Oh. Sure, I'll stay here." Slash came over and sat down, shifting into his human form. "Are you guys leaving now?"