No Way Out
Hunter figured it was pointless to hide anymore since to many people knew of his background by now. It was only a matter of time before others knew what he was. It was weird working in the public eye now. Never in the past would he have let others live who knew of his past since it was a means to stay alive. He could tell that Gonyaul was very fit by his movements and jawline. He was a bit curious why Gonyaul seemed train to fight but preferred to speak of peace like a clergy, but it was not really his business.
Then Hunter responded with a simplified answer for Gonyaul, "Well I was taken from my home at a young age, forced to endure strict training in killing and educated to do it efficiently. We were denied names, culture, freedom, friends, and family. Sometimes I would have to kill my fellow Hunters for recognition or food. I have killed so many people in my time, their faces have begun to blur a bit. One day I was no longer needed by my past owner and was hunted by his men. I escaped to a dangerous forest and lived their till I made my way here. After that things did not go as planned. I was finally defeated by a magical being and seeking answers." Hunter mere spoke as if it was a simple day in the park as he continued to eat after he spoke.
Gonyaul was always curious how someone would answer that question. Some would be guarded, others refused, and some would open up. Yet what also made it interesting was what they chose to share usually gave clues into their personality, priorities and values. That is why he liked asking that to everyone he met; people are interesting and no two alike.
Gonyaul paused and looked to Hunter, a show of disappointment on his face, as yet again their path was blocked by a crowd of people. They should have easily been able to be out of town now on a normal day; however, with the square being so crowded he already tried four known exit routes to no avail. Barricades of guards, people and other obstacles brought in for the gathering was making it hard to leave.
Every awful sound from the captives or the crowd was noticeably effecting Gonyaul’s resolve. His sweet disposition was under assault and he was trying not to cry for the cruelty on display in front of Hunter. His eyes were watering though. This just wasn’t right. The looks he saw in the crowds faces made him weep internal for the decline from goodness and morality.
Things made a lot more sense now that Hunter shared that information about himself. Gonyaul could see how such a traumatic upbringing could lead to neurotic behaviors. He could reason it out; however, he had no idea what it must have felt like to endure such hardships.
“You survive a hard start to life.” He acknowledged the obvious.
“What you going to do about it now?” He was trying to say something akin to what are your next steps or future plans.
Hunter continued to stay alert as he was not sure if a stray cult member would pop out and attack Gonyaul again. So he showed no emotions as he spoke to Gonyaul as he monitored his surroundings while looking like a commoner. Then he answered, "In my world only the strong survive a hard life. I have seen many who learned that the hard way as they died. As for my plans now............ I am unsure. The Lady Arbiter feels I may find my answers by learning about faith and religion. I will try my hand at it and see if I get results."
Hunter ate some more meat before he spoke again, "However I am still in the dark on the emotions one feels for the Gods. I was not allowed to have a religion in my past so though I may know of them, I lack the experience of believing in a higher being to watch over us. No matter how many people I killed, not once has a divine being spared them from me. My owner was a greedy Duke and would loan me to others for a high price to kill their enemies. I have killed many types of people from Nobles to Merchants to Clergy to Commoners to aid their enemies of the same status. In all that time I have seen the truth of mankind. Some want to make the world a better place, some want to take from others, some want to hold some form of power, but in the end its all fleeting when I show up at their door. But I must admit seeing magic has opened my eyes to new concerns."
Gonyaul balked at the idea of gods when he heard him speak; however, it was not his place nor the right time to get into such a deep and complex topic. The reason none intervened was because they did not exist. At least that is what he grew up with in the Vauxian culture.
“What does you want to make of the world?”
They had to back track once again because the guards wouldn’t let them exit from the current street they were on.
Hunter ate another piece of meat as he thought about the answer while keeping his guard up. He then swallowed it and replied, "Hmmmmm.......... that is indeed a good question. After returning from the island in real bad shape, I have an emptiness inside me that I can't seem to fill. I thought killing someone would help so I aided the Lady Arbiter on her last mission, but as usual I feel nothing when I take a life. I tried to fake emotions when taunting the cult and their pig face man leader but all I did was expose them to Lady Arbiter. I took up wood working, weapon making, cooking and all they did was help me pass the time. So I will keep trying new things till I can fill that void."
Gonyaul wondered if Hunter was always this talkative and open with people, or was it because he was talking to someone who was genuinely interested. He could project that a man of his profession and upbringing was potentially starved of real human connection. Or maybe he just didn’t see the rabbit as threatening in any way.
Gonyaul didn’t know how to say it just right in common tongue. He could speak his language or sign it just fine.
“You matter. All you do, or not do, matter now and tomorrows.”
Gonyaul whiped his nose and eyes with his sleeve. He looked dead serious when he said that as if he had zero doubts. He smiled kindly as they continued walking.
“Good you try new things. Need new result must do new things. You, but looking in wrong place to fill … void”.