Moving on, or..?

---- The Bramble Wood, Very near Jocelynn's inn, dawn, 1 DSTR ----

Gareth, who was caught off guard, almost choked on piece of flesh he was about to consume when he heard Ceridens voice in his head.

"Gareth, I'm going to retrieve our things from the room we rented. I'll be back soon. In the mean time, I'd appreciate it if you could settle your differences with Ponce, as I believe he has the potential to be a valuable ally. I understand that life has been unkind to you and given you very little reason to trust anyone, but we must be the change we want to see in the world. If we want the world to be a place where we are accepted for who we are, then we must first extend that tolerance and grace to other people."

Hearing this left Gareth unable to even try to reply. There was no way he would ever be able to "settle his differences" with this guy, Ponce. He might be able to try doing so, but the soldier would undoubtedly never be able to accept him because of his mature. In addition to this, Ceriden now wanted him to face the soldier alone. The mere thought of it terrified him. If the soldier were to use his magic on him in a situation like that then he wouldn't stand a chance.

But unfortunately, no matter how much he disliked this plan, he had to do as Ceriden said. After all, Ceriden might be the the only one who would be able to accept him and help make it all a bit more bearable.

While trying to calm down and prepare himself to meet the soldier again, Gareth carefully licked the blood of his lips and fingers, trying his best to make himself as presentable as possible. Having done this he slowly walked back to the opening in the woods where the soldier, and zombies, were waiting. Gareth only just moved outside the surrounding woods, not wanting to get any closer to the soldier than necessary.

He tried hard to hide his insecurity and nervousness, but it proably didn't work. While waiting for Ceriden to return he remained completely silent and didn't even once look anywhere near Ponce to avoid any kind of confrontation.

It was a huge relief when he finally heard the sound of Ceridens footsteps approaching.

"Are you guys ready to go?"

In reply to this Gareth simply nodded, still not looking at any of the two.