We were. So Bibs prepared the scroll to take us all back to where I'd been kidnapped to. Surprisingly, there were no longer any bodies in the camp. The weapons from the bodies were all piled neatly near the main bonfire in the canopied area, and separated by ranged, melee and ammo.
The tents were all gone, and a brief look showed that the cages were as well. However, behind the weapons was a table with four piles papers stacked neatly, along with a book. Looking around, I was quite confused. What was the point to this? The entrance to this place was clear, and the fire squelched. It hadn't touched this area at all. Had the dragon done this?
"Well, someone has cleaned up the place. Shall we take a look around and maybe set up camp here? Could be interesting to see who stops by." Bibs asked.
"I can check for what resources are nearby. Saves us from having to clean." I shrugged.
"I'll check around and see if someone is watching us." Gregor said.
"Try not to go too far." Bibs recommended. "This is still an unfamiliar place."
"Yup. I'll be mindful." I said. "I'll stay in shouting range."
"Yes, I'll be nearby." Gregor agreed.
With that we headed out to perform our tasks. We went in opposite directions even. I stayed vigilant as I stalked through the trees, keeping my tracks carefully concealed. I also made sure to scan above myself. There was definitely fire damage to the area, but not as much as you'd expect for a dragon to have caused.
I scouted around noting some differences in animals available. Like the small linx that tried to jump me from a tree. I'd killed it, though it knicked my neck trying to kill me. Much to my disappointment, I realized it was a nursing female. I'd interrupted it's hunt most likely. Or it'd seen me as it's prey.
Filled with remorse over the kill, I pondered on where it's cubs would be. The mark tangled, and I looked around. Sure enough they lit up. Two of them well over a mile away. I was definitely meant to be dinner. Poor thing must have been shook up from the fire. I headed in the cubs' direction.
I'd taken their mother from them, it was only right I either help them reunite, or finish rearing them. I figured I could make that decision when I reached them. I knew I should tell the men before I did this, but at the same time, I had no idea if I'd be able to find them, or worse, too late if I did.
So I went quickly, though carefully, to find them. When I reached them, I was glad to see their eyes open and them hissing in response to my closeness. I caught one and checked it over. I was able to determine that they should be at the stage of meat eating. I decided I'd be able to raise them.
So I caught them both and stuck them in my bag. I didn't care if they clawed my things. I returned to where I'd killed their mother and finished my look around. I caught a hare on my way back, after finding water close enough to the camp. I'd done my task diligently, either way.
It probably took me three hours, altogether to return to camp. "Welcome." Gregor said. "We were able to set up a bit of a camp while you were away. What kept you away? .. And why do you have blood on you?"
"A cat jumped from a tree, is all. It's fine." I sighed. I heard a soft mew, and slid off my bag carefully. I left it mostly closed until I had a bit of the hare to offer them. As I took them out, I commented, "Unfortunately, that decision cost them their mother."
"Hoh. That's unfortunate. Now I wish Tilton was here, he's much better with animals." Gregor said.
"It's ok.." I said, giving them some meat with a little fur on it. "I know some of rearing kittens from Nan way back. Wild cats aren't much different."
"The only thing I know about rearing animals is the need food and water. Thatxs all I got." Gregor said.
"I'm just glad I found them. They'd have starved otherwise. They're lucky they are at the stage where they can eat meat." I replied.
"That is quite lucky. And that it was you that found them." He said.
"I was dreading it. If they were too young I was gonna dispatch them." I said, shaking my head.
"I'm sure if it was necessary you'd make it as quick and painless as possible." Gregor commented.
I said, "I'd try to. They remind me if the island lynx, but smaller."
"Reminds me of spider killers." Kershka said.
"Possibly, yes." I replied.
"What's your plan with these two? Just to rear them. It's going to take a lot of time." Bibs said.
"It isn't ideal, but as long as food is available and they are in a safe location they can be left unattended for several hours. Which will help keep them wild." I said. "They're wild and not pets."
"Well, I can try to help in any way I can." Gregor said.
"As soon as they can hunt, I'd turn 'em loose." I said.
"That will be for the best. Until then we can try and keep an eye on them." Bibs said.
"If not, I'll put them in Tilton's house whenever we're done with these people." I said.
"He'd be confused... and I want to do this so badly now." Gregor said.
"I think you underestimate the pranks Tilton and I used to play on one another." I grinned.
"I am. Maybe you should fill me in on a few. We could reenact them and give him a little refresher." Gregor suggested.
I laughed. Until I delivered the meat to a cub to slowly and it bit me. Then I sighed and tapped it's nose. Giving it the meat it wanted. "Impatient."
Gregor laughed. "Eager little thing, isn't it?"
"It is." I said. Being more mindful to hand over the meat promptly. If I didn't chop it, they'd have a hard time eating it at this stage. The guts would be very tasty for them. "It's odd to me that people can't process fur in our stomachs, but for animals it helps them get fiber into their diet."
"Well, as adorable as the baby wild animals are, we did come here with a goal, Ashtar." Bibs said.
"I'm aware, Daddy Bibs. I've got a good idea of what local wild life is like, even with the burned area, and I know where medicinal plants are, as well as a good source of fresh water. So, what are the papers and book?" I asked.
"They are places we can start our search. With a rough map we can follow." Bibs said.
".. Generous... Who is our benefactor?" I asked.
"I can only assume the dragon that gave you that mark." Bibs replied.
"Mm. Somehow, I don't like that. But a lead is a lead." I commented.
"Indeed. And it is not like we are small children, incapable of handling a trap or two along the way." Bibs said.
"Long as it's not magic, I can do it." I agreed, joking a little. "I could deal with a slip wire all week."
"Yes, I believe a slip wire would be quite easy for you." Bibs agreed.
"So, how do you want this done? You're well aware of my skill sets, and your own." I asked.
"Well, I figured we would go and check these places out and see if there is truth to these papers or not." Bibs said.
"Together or seperate?" I asked.
"Kershka and I will check here." Bibs said, pointing at the map. "You and Gregor can check here."
I looked it over, having given the remainder of the hair to the cubs. They were mostly playing with it, their bellies were full. "..That's a terrible map, but I believe I have a general idea of location." I said.
"Yes, it is a.. rough map. As long as we get our bearings it will have served it's purpose." Bibs agreed.
"How long shall we take?" I asked.
"As long as necessary. Here." He handed me a small stone. "You can communicate through this. It's nothing fancy, so will only work three times a day."
I nodded and placed it in a small fold of my belt. I took the cubs and their hare and put them into a rooted area, where they'd be further sheltered, then I left my bag slightly before it. I checked the handaxe, dagger and my bow and arrows, before turning to Gregor. "All ready?"
"Indeed I am." He said.
I took a shirt from my bag and wrapped it around my middle, walking towards him. This allowed for no jiggles of the arrow or and clicks or creaks from the weapons on my belt. We headed out then, I didn't slow him a whole lot, but he was fast than me. I made mental notes of all kinds of herbs that would be useful.
After three and half miles, Gregor asked, "Are you just particularly focused on the journey, or is there another reason you are so quiet?"
I blinked. "I'm quiet when working. I'm treating this as hostile territory, because it's unfamiliar to me. If you'd rather I talk, there is a lot I could be saying."
"By all means, fill the air with your voice." Gregor said.
"Did I make you uncomfy?" I asked.
"I'm just.. more used to people talking on these long journeys." He replied.
"That's kinda really cute. I was taught that chatter while working makes slo- ooh, chamomile. Sloppy work and leads to mistakes, or being caught." I explained.
"Chamomile?" He asked.
"Yeah, the little white flowers with yellow poofy middles. It helps with stress and anxiety. It also helps tummy aches, nausea, gas and motion sickness. As wall as treating colic, croup and fever in children." I explained. "It's really tasty, too."
"We should go back and pick some chamomile, then." Gregor said.
I pointed at some ahead of us. "Sure, I can collect some."
"Alright, we'll have a lovely tea later." Gregor said. He looked quite pleased.
Amused, I picked enough for the lot of us back at camp, and wrapped them in a tree leaf, before tucking it into a fold of my belt. "You seem really relaxed."
"Well, this isn't exactly my first adventure." Gregor replied.
"Who chattered so much while heading to case a place?" I asked.
"Hoh. Typically Kershka. Or at least he'd start the conversations." Gregor answered.
"Kershka seems to like to listen." I noted.
"Kershka just very much likes to be involved." Gregor said.
"He's adorable." I said.
"I suppose he could be considered such." Gregor replied in an amused tone.
"I really should have left the cubs be." I said. "I really just didn't feel it was the right thing to do. Their mom was just trying to find a meal, and chose the wrong prey."
"Unfortunately, that is part of nature. I've been on the receiving end of that several times." Gregor said.
"We should likely be watching the trees for those cats." I commented. "I don't think we need more babies to tend."
"Indeed. Let's keep an eye out. We don't need to adopt more, temporary or otherwise." Gregor agreed.
"Sometimes I think I gained too many habits from Tilton. He was all the time taking in baby animals or injured ones." I noted.
"I can assure you that has not changed." Gregor said.
"It's still sometimes really hard for me to grasp the time difference. It's one thing to be told that many years passed, and another to see differences in the times." I told him.
"I do not envy your predicament." Gregor said. "But at least you do not have to go about it alone."
"I understand why Bibs called it greed to bring me back. But I'm not unhappy. Plus, I'd never have met you, Krista and Kershka if I wasn't brought back at this time." I said.
"I can definitely say I'm happy with their choice." Gregor said.
"Like me that much, huh?" I teased him with a grin.
He looked at me with a serious look. "Yes."
"I like you, too." I replied, my cheeks burning.
"Good. I'd feel awfully embarassed if you didn't." He said.
"Aren't you silly." I replied.
"I suppose I am." Gregor replied.
"Snake." I pointed at one curled up on the ground to the left of Gregor.
"Oh, well. Just steer clear of that." He said.
"I'm a little curious about what you mentioned last night. About it having been a while since you'd shared a bed." I said.
"And what has you curious about that?" He asked.
"My mind functioning past 'mm comfy warm'." I joked. "I'm curious about you."
"Well, to be clear. I have not slept with anyone, sexually or otherwise, since I was sixteen." Gregor said. "Did you want details?"
I shrugged and said, "If you want, I guess."
"Well, that backfired quickly. I don't believe I'll go into detail." He said.
I snorted and started laughing. It took a moment to recover from it. I smiled at him and said, "Dare me, and I'll always try to meet it. I'm fine with anything you want to tell me, even if you decide to lie, which I don't think you have. I like you, and I trust you. That you're happy to have me around and think I'm beautiful is enough to make me quite happy."
"Well, I don't intend to stop there." Gregor said.
"Oh? What do you mean?" I asked.
"Well, I plan on showering you with many compliments." He said.
"It's ok to not. We've been fine without it." I pointed out. "Though, I suppose I could try to be more affectionate with you, since you seemed to enjoy the greeting this morning."
"You need not force yourself. If it's something you want to do, I will not turn it away, but you need not to force yourself." Gregor said firmly.
So I slipped my hand into his. My face turned bright, as he intertwined our fingers together. Honestly, it wasn't like I hated skinship or affection. It's just how I turned out to be. Even while we chatted, I was weary of our surroundings.
"I do wonder if we'll stumble into anything new to us while we're out in these uncharted lands." Gregor said.
"The trees and vines are new to me. Very different from back home. Oh, look. Rain clouds." I pointed with my free hand.
"So they are." Gregor said. "We may want to look for shelter in a little bit."
"Scared of getting wet?" I teased.
"Scared of getting sick." He replied.
"I'm scared of getting wet." I said. "Why are you scared of getting sick?"
"I don't do well when I'm sick. So I try to avoid it as best as I can." Gregor said.
"I'll take care of you if you get sick." I said.
"Well, that will be a wonderful change of pace rather than taking care of myself when I am sick." Gregor said.
"I'll be happy to tend you. And happier if you stay healthy." I said. "We should be nearing that location now."
"Alright. Shall we be stealthy?" He asked.
"Are we supposed to handle it, or just scout?" I asked.
"Let's scout first." Gregor said.
"Alright. Sneak it is then. Together or seperate?" I asked.
"Well, we'll have to take a look at the camp, or whatever it is, and determine it from there." He said.
I nodded. Accepting that. We still held hands together. It was more comfortable than I ever thought it'd be. I always felt it would be burdensome. "Maybe we'll find something good."
"Who knows, maybe it's their entire treasure horde and we'll get it in one go. Then they'll be too poor to continue their efforts." Gregor said.
"Is that how it works?" I asked. We'd reached the location now, no signs of patrol at this point, but there were some defenses in place. Spiked walls mostly. Though close enough to trees to make that irrelevant.
"Alright. I believe we will split up. I'll take this side. Be careful. Stab if you have to." Gregor said quietly.
I gave his hand a light squeeze before letting it go. Equally quietly, I said, "Meet back at the tree with purple vines?" It wasn't far.
"Alright. We can do that." He agreed.
"How much time to give it?" I asked.
"Fifteen minutes at most." He said.
I nodded, and we separated. I spotted a good entry point that was unofficial. But I checked around the rest of the fence on my side first. I returned to the point I'd noticed and scaled the tree, making sure the branches would obscure me from view. I noticed there was a type of tarp that mimicked trees and bushes atop every tent, no, building.
This was a more permanent outpost than the one I'd been kidnapped to. It even had a well. Rather than people in the cages I could see, it was animals. There were certainly beasts I hadn't seen before in them. I also saw a neat looking chest hidden behind a very nice looking building.
I also saw several people in the same purple uniforms lounging. Had I to estimate, I'd wager this place was at least half the size or better of Dueling Rivers which boasted a good five hundred citizens at least. This place seemed decently manned as well, from what I could see. And from the relaxed state they seemed to be in, they were widely uncontested here.
After identifying a few more key features, I climbed down the tree and took a step back, bumping into somebody that I'd not heard approach, or sensed. But I felt them now. I moved towards the side, reaching for my dagger. A tall, thin, middle aged man, with black slicked back hair, was looking at me with an amused gleam in his eye. He wore a very prim red suit.
"Erm.. hello?" I greeted him, confused.
"Well, hello. It's nice to see you again." He greeted in return.
"I know you?" I asked. "You're ill dressed for the woods.. would you like to borrow a shirt to keep from ruining your coat?"
"Well, aren't you a swelling? No." He said. "But what I will take is you." He pointed at me.
"Sorry, I'm already taken. And I think your taste is much more refined than my own." I said. "But it's good to meet you, I suppose."
He went blank faced. "I don't think you understand. This is not optional. This is a kidnapping."
"I was kidnapped last night. It was amusing for a minute, but I don't think I can agree to it. Can I offer a firm hand shake instead?" I asked.
"You know, I will take a nice firm handshake." He said, offering his hand.
"And just that?" I asked. "Not gonna try and be sneaky or rude?"
"Child, I am nothing if not perfectly honorable." He said.
Fifteen minutes were up. I raised my hand to take his hand, but it did have sap, blood, and dirt on it. "Oh, it's dirty..." I tried wiping it off, but the sap stuck well.
"Actually, I think I'll have to postpone. Do try a bath. I'm from hell and I still bathe." He replied, grossed out.
"I bathe." I protested. "But I had just been up a tree, you've interrupted my job, you see."
"Well, if you're on a job, then you should know to look presentable at all times." He scolded.
"But I'm just a street urchin. A rogue. No one expects us to be presentable. Well, maybe times have changed." I said.
"No matter your profession or lot in life, when in the presence of Royalty, you are to be presentable." He said.
"I deeply apologize for my error." I said, "Had I expected you, I'd have been presentable." I was quickly catching on to who this may be... and beginning to think I was lucky to be alive.
"I'm sensing a little more reverence in your voice. That's appreciated." He said.
"Of course, Lord. It's not every day the likes of me meets someone so esteemed." I said politely. Come on, Gregor, come check on me. Quickly, please.
"Careful, now. You're in danger of becoming one of my servants. And I assure you that is a permanent position." He replied.
"You wouldn't like that, Lord. I'm not very capable, nor am I very smart. I wouldn't be able to serve someone such as you so well. Plus, I do think my lover would hate that." I commented.
He laughed. "Your lover is not a concern of mine. Nor are your abilities. Servants serve simple roles. But it's alright. I grew bored of you a hundred years ago."
"Hm? I was dead at that time?" I said, tilting my head. I was just acting coy, now.
"Oh, for my sake. Yes you were dead. I was torturing your soul. Maybe a refresher is in line." He said. Clearly annoyed.
"Oh." I said. "I didn't remember. I apologize."
"You don't remember?!" He gasped. "Well, I suppose that means I could start again and listen to all those wonderful screams again."
I took out a chamomile flower and said, "Here."
"And what would I want with that? Weeds are best left," he extended a hand with a flourish and it caught fire, "in ashes."
"Ooh, nice." I said.
"Indeed. The flames are always beautiful." He replied. "Well, I see a very angry monk heading my way. I suppose I'll end this interaction here. But don't worry, I'll be back." He vanished.
I released a stressed sigh. Feeling like I'd escaped something. I looked in the direction I figured Gregor would be coming from. Sure enough he was. But the way he was there was no way that guy had physically seen him.
As soon as he reached me, he said, "I didn't see you at the tree, is everything alright?"
I was tense all over, and maybe a little pale. "I think you were almost too late."
"Too late for what? Did someone spot you?" He asked.
I shuddered a little, my body trying to release my nerves. I wrapped my arms around him, then buried my head against him, and said, "Think it was Asmodeus."
"Oh, hell. Not again." He breathed. "He didn't give you anything, did he?"
His arms were around me, helping to ground me. "Said he was here to kidnap me. Said he could start the torture over again since I don't remember. Said he may take me as a servant. Said you looked angry."
"Alright. Let's get you away from here." Gregor said. Patient and gentle.
"Said he got bored of torturing my soul a hundred years ago." I mumbled, I released him, touched the top of my head briefly then looked at him, "Yeah, um. Right. So, we can go back that way, and we'll go over what we learned. Probably similar stuff."
"Are you just trying to distract yourself from what just happened." He asked.
"We were busy before that with something more important." I said.
"Alright, alright." He conceded. "Let's go to our meeting place and talk."
I nodded and we headed there. I was definitely shaken up after the run in. But isn't it common to be if you lost your life to something and it visits you? I leaned against the tree and looked at Gregor. I could read the concern on his face easily. So I smiled. "The men looked very relaxed and unconcerned."
"Almost as if they think nothing can touch them." He replied.
"Yeah. The only cages I saw had animals in it. They aren't well guarded or fortified. But decently armed. And there is a chest hidden close to the wall in tall grass. A well was put in, probably a year ago.. and I believe the larger building near the cages is likely a warehouse." I explained. "I counted twenty men."
"I didn't see the chest, but I counted twenty-two men." He replied.
I rubbed my face, still stressed. "Wonder how many slumbered."
"Hoh. I would recommend we scout it over night in shifts. See how many sleep, how many stay on guard." Gregor said.
"That is a way to do it, but the cubs will be hungry again by sundown." I pointed out.
"I don't believe they'll starve for a few extra hours." He said.
"That's true, I suppose." I said. "I could certainly agree to waiting for dark, ultimately, I'll do as you please in this scenario."
"Alright. We'll wait for dark. Do another bit of scouting, and then we'll go feed the cubs." He said.
"They should be ok, they still had bones and the rest of the hare to chew on. What do you wish to do while we wait for dark?" I asked.
"Why don't we go rest for a bit while we wait for nightfall? I know a few ways to make a hammock in a tree." Gregor offered.
"A hammock?" I asked.
"Yes, essentially a sling between the branches." He said.
I nodded, "Alright. We can do that."
"Alright. I saw a decent tree for it over here." He said, and headed that way.
I followed him. We climbed up a rather large and sturdy tree, then he pulled a branch over and tied it across two more. He had me harvest some thick and vines, that he then tied around the branches like a spider web. Next he placed his bedroom across the vines and checked it's sturdiness.
He made himself comfortable, after handing his pack above the hammock, and opened his arms towards me. I placed my bow in the branches overhead, with his pack. Shyly, I accepted, flopping into his arms, making sure my dagger and axe wouldn't poke him.
What we'd forgotten was the rain clouds that I'd spotted while we were heading that way. So I was cuddled on top his chest when thunder rumbled through the area and it began to rain. In my cozy state, I barely even reacted to the rain. "Oh. Right." I mumbled into his chest.
He reached up and pulled a blanket out of his pack and spread it out over the branch above us to create a tent. Clearly, it was rain treated. I hummed lightly and stretched, reached into the rain to clean off my hands. Once I'd scrubbed them in the heavy rain, I took down my hair and started working on the tangles.
"I do not envy you those tangles." Gregor said.
"It's a pain." I grouched. "But I do like my hair to be long. Look at this." I freed a strand and dangled it before my face for him to see. Due to being free of the tangle and the moisture in the air from the rain, it coiled into a proper curl. "So annoying."
He laughed, "I'm sorry. I don't mean to make light of your frustrations, you're just adorable."
"Am I?" I asked, working on the next tangle. I looked at him, "You look really intriguing from this angle."
"I look intriguing do I? How so?" Gregor asked.
I leaned down and kissed his nose. "You look very smoochable."
"Thank you. I have never been called such. I understand the sentiment, though." He replied.
I snuggled his chest, then kissed his face. Laying back on him, having given up on my hair for the moment. "You're so handsome."
"Again, not something I head often. I'm ok with this." Gregor said. "Come here, because your face is quite smoochable as well."
I adjusted my positioning to allow us to kiss each other, at our leisure. My body warmed while we kissed. He'd placed one hand on my hip and the other on my face. I felt a part of him as it stiffened against me. I shivered at the sensation. He groaned a little, adjusting his hold around me to squeeze me, before stopping the kissing.
"Mm, so warm." I mumbled, "Feels odd."
"Feels odd? Why odd?" He asked puzzled.
"Like, uncomfy.. lower.." I said, my face turning red.
"Unfortunately, I can not fully explain what you're experiencing, but it may be that you are feeling aroused." Gregor commented.
I swallowed a little, sitting up and looking at him, "Is that what's supposed to happen from kissing like that?"
"It certainly can, yes." Gregor answered.
I felt pretty embarassed about my lack of experience. "I don't know if I like this feeling."
"Well, we can stop if that's what you want." Gregor offered.
"Are you uncomfortable?" I asked.
"My pants may be a little tighter than when I put them on this morning, but I'll be fine." Gregor replied.
I gave him a brief kiss. "You're really good at kissing."
"A skill I didn't know I had until you." He said.
I giggled and said, "Must have been a personal decision."
"Yes, I didn't want to get involved with anyone for a while." He said.
"That's alright. No jealous exes that way." I said.
"Indeed. You won't have to worry about any of those." He said.
I snuggled him, and wrapped my arms around him. "I'm very fortunate."
"How so?" He asked.
"Acause I have you right here with me. Even if we're about to go watch people for a time and probably murder them, I still feel fortunate in this moment, since you've got me right here." I said.