Campfire bonds

Jp between Lorem Jaxx and Bandorchu

Hunter rode on ahead in search for a decent camp sight that was acceptable. It had some rocky area that blocked the view for attackers and the fire light and it had a small nearby stream for water. He killed two river rats for dinner. So he headed back to guide the other back to the site.

Following Hunter’s guidance Alexis and the others arrived at the camp not too long after.

Hunter had chosen well.

“Thank you, Hunter.”

she said upon dismounting, watching as Alcuin and Gonyaul came to a stop shortly after.
The mercenary led her horse to the stream so it could get a good drink. It definitely deserved some rest, they had worked their animal companions very hard this day.

She took a moment to splash her face with the cool water, in need of refreshment herself, and letting her horse get its fill before leading it back and do her share to set up camp.

Hunter replied, "Sure. As he helped set up the tents. So who will do first watch and second watch?"

Malacost had been slightly less disgruntled in his expression on the trek to the campsite. He was amused by the fact Gonyaul wasn’t able to talk anymore and the silence was rewarding. But not half as rewarding as the shivers he had gotten seeing the pickaxe pierce and crush those Odonine ambushers. He never would have imagined using the mining tool would produce such a satisfying result.

When he arrived to the campsite he also tended to his horse before starting to set his tent up. Malacost thanked Hunter, still acting quite well as the agreeable travel companion Alcuin.

Gonyaul was the last to arrive, him and Amu taking a serpentine path into the camp area. He was exhausted from having grappled with a man who had a good hundred pounds on him. He could feel the pain in his neck and lactic acid buildup in his muscles, making just being still uncomfortable.

When he dismounted he got his foot stuck in the stirrup and lost his balance, falling over onto the ground. He sighed and crawled back up to his feet. Moving to the front of Amu, he pressed their foreheads together and petted her neck. He whispered softly, “ok you were scared, me too. You still best horse.” He hugged his noble steed and led Amu to the stream he saw Alexis use earlier.

After tending the horse he spot washed his face and upper body before securing his ride. He then started to set up his tent.

He thanked Hunter for the help, when it was offered, with a gesture.

“Alcuin, you up to take first watch? You and me take the middle watches, Hunter.”

Mostly because those tended to be a little harder. Mostly.

“And Gonyaul can take last.”
Alexis suggested.

Malacost looked up from inserting the blankets inside his tent.

“First shift. Yes, I can manage that.”

He disappeared inside his tent to finish getting it situated and then came back out to join around the fire and Hunter’s cooking.

Hunter remain quiet and only talked when asked a question. He had a lot on his mind and he was the silent type anyway. He was worried about Voah and Tarmen. he was worried about Cora back home. He was concerned with presence of the prospector he didn't care for. He was concerned for the bruised and battered Gonyaul and Alexis. Then he was also worried about the upcoming war which was terrible for both sides, especially after what Wim told him.

Seeing Gonyaul suffer in silence, Alexis fetched a length of cloth from her pack. They were meant to protect their faces when they went underground again, but they could also be put to use in the meantime.

She went to stream to drench it and wrung out the excess water.
Returning to the camp fire she handed it to Gonyaul.

“For your neck. Won’t make the bruises disappear, but should still soothe a little.”

Gonyaul looked up from his tent that he had just finished setting up. He signed thank you, by now Alexis knew that one. Taking the wet cloth he draped it around his neck and smiled gently.

He pointed to her hand next with a concerned look on his face. “You hand?” His voice wheezed out breathy.

“That?”
She chuckled.

“Don’t worry. I’ve had much worse.”

Came with the profession.

Gonyaul smirked. Alexis was always playing it tough. Being as she said she was fine, he moved in a gave her a first-strike hug. He forced out a few more words, “thank you for living today.” He squeezed her one more time before letting her free.

Gonyaul couldn’t imagine what he would do if something happened to her. Alexis had the honor of family status in his heart. The only reason he even agreed to come to Aquilos was because they were home to him now.

Unlike the rest of them at the camp Gonyaul was not used to this type of thing and part of his present fatigue was having been scared out of his mind and his adrenaline crashed after it was over.

Hunter looked Alexis as he spoke, "So how long till we arrive at our destination?"

“Sometime tomorrow, if what Balt said is correct. Hopefully sooner rather than later.”

They were driving their horses pretty hard, but that ambush had costed them.

Hunter replied, "I see. Do you think our lil rabbit will be able to recover in time?"

“He’s tougher than he looks. And he has damn good motivation to push through.”

Alexis answered without hesitation.

Hunter nodded and then replied, "I'm just concerned since we are on a rescue mission."

“Yeah. And one riding on miracles, too.”

She sighed.

“Hopefully the Pillars are willing to lend a hand to their Arbiter.”

Hunter nodded as he replied, "I doubt after our trip to Sentinel Island, they would give up so easily."

“They won’t.”
the mercenary easily agreed.

“Best case scenario: they just walk out of there asking us what took us so long.”
she added with a wry smile.

Hunter nodded, "So we hope for the best and plan for the worst."

“Exactly.”

Alexis looked up to meet the assassin’s gaze.

“Glad you’re with us, Hunter.”

Hunter nodded, "Indeed. Voah is my Instructor and friend."

She smiled, slightly.

“Good. Friends make life complicated, but worthwhile.”

Hunter nodded and replied, "She must have a lot of patience and understanding to want me as a her friend."

“She is a good woman like that. Probably knows you’re worth it, too.”

Alexis could tell there had been subtle changes to the man she explored Sentinel Island with. That man had been nearly apathetic. This one was trying to be something more. She applauded Voah for achieving that.

He looked at Alexis and asked, "Do you have many friends?"

Alexis’ gaze wandered to Gonyaul and a subtle smile played on her lips.

“I have been lucky enough to gain some very good ones recently.”

Hunter looked at Gonyaul and then at Alexis as he replied, "Then you are more blessed than I since I only have Voah."

She inclined her head, looking at him curiously.

“Do you want more friends?”

Hunter looked puzzled as he paused for a moment before replying, "I am not sure. I am still learning the process and Voah is constantly giving me challenges."

Alexis assessed the lost looking man silently for a moment.

“Well. If you want some more practice…”

she extended her hand to him, letting him decide to take it or leave it.

“… I am up to give it a try if you are.”

Hunter chuckled as he replied, "You sound like rabbit now. Are you sure you want me of all people to be your friend despite knowing what I am?"

Alexis chuckled back.

“My blade’s not exactly clean, either, you know. But yes. I think you have the potential to be a man I’d like to call my friend.”

Hunter replied, "I'll try not to muck it to quickly." He then shook her hand.