*Nightwhisper
"And guilty I may be, but don't give up on me... We will still be thick as thieves."
|
Post by *Nightwhisper on Jan 26, 2021 12:59:30 GMT -5
Parker jumped at the sound of a stick breaking. He turned in the direction of the sound, but he couldn't make anything out. The shadows had grown too dark, and his eyes were blinded from the light of the fire. "What was that?" he asked.
~*~*~*
Anya had to admit, doing this with her brothers around seemed to help ease her back into her training. She didn't shoot as much as they did. Her eagerness for the compeition wasn't there. However, seeing Felix and Ryner's improvement and eharing their banter as they tried to out shoot the other helped ease her back into things.
She wouldn't say her skills had lacked over the month of not being used, but there was a difference in the way she shot now compared to the last time she had tried. But the corrections Seth gave her helped bring her accuracy back up to where they had once been. "If we stay here any longer, we might miss the actual competition," she told the boys, hating to break up the fun they were having.
~*~*~
That made sense. Kyra didn't know much about this Anya, but she knew that people liked to return to the familiar in times of struggle. It was just human nature. If they could, then they would go to wherever they felt the most safe. "Then that leaves the question of where is home exactly for her?" she asked. "Did she happen to mention it to you? And if she mentioned it to you, how do we know she hasn't mentioned it to someone in the Order while she was at the House?"
|
|
Heterosexual
✧☽ ᴅʀᴇᴀᴍᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴏᴇʀ ☾✧
"You never have to prove yourself to anyone who doesn't accept you for who you are."
|
Post by ✧☽ ᴅʀᴇᴀᴍᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴏᴇʀ ☾✧ on Jan 26, 2021 13:38:40 GMT -5
"I don't know. Something big enough to possibly be an issue." Sol sounded calm and unconcerned. And he was calm, but he was also a little concerned. This island wasn't bog enough to sustain a large predator for long, but maybe...
When no others suspicious noises came from the forest, Sol stepped back and sat down again. "I'll keep watch tonight, just in case. You should try and get some sleep."
~ • ~ • ~ At her words, Seth glanced up at the sun. He was a little surprised to see how much it had moved since they came out here. "Well then, I guess we better get going. I hope you guys are feeling a little more confident in yourselves?"
~ • ~ • ~ "All things Seth would have considered, and..." Morgan slowly shook his head, thinking back to all his conversations with Anya. She had spoken of home and family many times, but he couldn't remember her ever mentioning the name of her hometown. "No, she never told me where exactly home is. And if she never mentioned it to me, then I doubt she told anyone else. Except maybe... maybe her mentor. Alia Scarlo." He swung his gaze to Sebastian, sadness and resolve in his eyes. "And she's dead, isn't she?"
Sebastian nodded. "Dead and immortalized," he said.
Morgan was shocked. "You immortalized her?" It wasn't a common practice anymore, but sometimes when an honorable Rider fell doing what was right, they would be immortalized. Morgan hadn't heard of it happening since long before he was born.
"Not us," Sebastian answered. "I'm assuming it was Seth's dragon, Stellaluna. The black one isn't old enough to be able to pull off a feat that big."
Now that made a bit more sense. Morgan dipped his chin. "Good. She deserves it," he said quietly.
Sebastian didn't look as sure of that, but he left it there and moved on. "So we know where they probably are, but we don't know where there is. Do we have any ideas?"
|
|
|
Post by ♥.•°Insanity°•.♥ on Jan 26, 2021 14:05:16 GMT -5
Evaleigh smiled listening to Dallas’s explanation and leaned back in her seat, imagining what he described. “That sounds really nice.” She commented and thought that camping wouldn’t be so bad afterall “You know, freedom gives us the ability to change. But, it is hard to find.” Evaliegh spoke pursing her lips, letting the words slip from her mouth absentmindedly. She had been searching for freedom for quite a while now and many of the promising paths she followed only led somewhere else. Evaleigh cleared her throat, trying not to sound like an experienced adult “So, I look forward to that part of camping then too.” She added with another smile.
|
|
*Nightwhisper
"And guilty I may be, but don't give up on me... We will still be thick as thieves."
|
Post by *Nightwhisper on Jan 26, 2021 21:16:08 GMT -5
Parker wasn't going to argue on that. Even if he wanted to offer to take first watch, he could feel his body protesting the meer thought of it. He was cold, sore, and tired. None of which mixed well together. "If you're sure. Wake me if you get tired," he told him instead.
~*~*~
"Oh, yeah! We'll easily get third or second," Ryner said with a grin. "Thanks for that."
Anya smiled and shook her head, handing her bow and quiver back to Seth for him to store. It might be a good idea for her to carry it with her in case she ever needed it, but she doubted that they would have need for it today. So back in the pocket deminsion it would go.
~*~*~
Kyra glanced over to Morgan. "If Seth is using magic to keep from being tracked, do you think that would work for the letters as well?" she asked him. "We could try to redirect those papers like we did before in order to get in touch with him. If nothing else, we might be able to convince him to meet us in a different, more secured location."
"Then stick around Fulton for a while. I gauntee that you'll find the change you need," Dallas promised her with a small grin. "It's nice there. The people are great, the rent is pretty cheap. Not to mention you got your local weirdos who liv out here in the middle of nowhere. What more could you ask for?" He was joking, of course. At least about that last part.
|
|
Heterosexual
✧☽ ᴅʀᴇᴀᴍᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴏᴇʀ ☾✧
"You never have to prove yourself to anyone who doesn't accept you for who you are."
|
Post by ✧☽ ᴅʀᴇᴀᴍᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴏᴇʀ ☾✧ on Jan 26, 2021 21:40:12 GMT -5
Sol nodded, though he doubted he would be waking Parker. Even if he did get tired, he knew he wouldn't be able to sleep, so the point would be moot. Besides, Parker needed the rest more than he did.
( This is probably an unnecessary question, but skip to morning? ;D )
~ • ~ • ~ Seth grinned at Ryner's confidence before his attention switched to Anya. As he accepted the bow, he said, "Maybe I should try teaching you how to make your own pocket dimension. That way you can stop piggybacking off mine," he added, teasing.
~ • ~ • ~ Morgan shrugged. "We could try, but he told us in his last letter not to bother because it probably wouldn't work."
"Well if its all we got, I say we give it a try." Sebastion rounded his desk and picked up a pen and paper, which he held out to Morgan. "Ask him where he is, and if he doesn't want to say, tell him to meet us somewhere. He can pick where, if it makes him feel better."
Morgan accepted the paper and pen. "And if it doesn't work?"
Sebastian sighed. "Then we're back to square one and we'll have to think up some other way to find him."
Morgan nodded and set to writing, though he really didn't think it would work. That would be too easy, and Seth never made anything easy.
|
|
|
Heterosexual
✧☽ ᴅʀᴇᴀᴍᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴏᴇʀ ☾✧
"You never have to prove yourself to anyone who doesn't accept you for who you are."
|
Post by ✧☽ ᴅʀᴇᴀᴍᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴏᴇʀ ☾✧ on Jan 26, 2021 22:37:42 GMT -5
( xD )
The night passed by uneventfully. Sol didn't start getting tired until almost dawn, and he kept himself awake by collecting more firewood. He also checked the traps. The first three were empty, but they lucjed out with the fourth, which had a rabbit. Sol put it out of its misery before returning with it to the camp.
In the predawn light, he built up the fire and made them a spit over it. As the meat cooked, he turnedhis thoughts to another survival concern: water. The salty sea water was out of the question, but considering there was life on this island, that neant thete must have been a sourcr of fresh water somewhere. So he resolved to find it after Parker woke up.
~•~•~
Seth smirked. "Fair point." He returned her bow to its pocket and glanced st her brothers. "Anyone else want a convenient magical storage unit?"
~•~•~
Sebastian laughed. "Yeah, no. Nick rarely told us where he was going or how long he'd be gone. Our whole organization is built on secrecy, and so is Nick. He operates on a need-to-know basis, and as far as he's concerned, no one needs to know what he's up to. However..." He paused, and cast Morgan a glance. He took a deep breath. "We could always try asking him. My power... makes that possible. But only if he's willing." He smirked a little. "Ghosts are unpredictable like that."
|
|
*Nightwhisper
"And guilty I may be, but don't give up on me... We will still be thick as thieves."
|
Post by *Nightwhisper on Jan 27, 2021 12:53:32 GMT -5
Waking him up wouldn't be a problem. Whil he might have slept soundly throughout the night due to his exhaustion, the morning chill had Parker stirring as the sky began to turn from grey to blue. He opened his eyes to find Sol by the fire, cooking something. He started to get up and had to bite back a curse. His muscles had stiffened while he rested, making the bruise on his back feel much worse than it had yesterday. But he forced himself up into a sitting position. "Morning," he muttered.
~*~*~
Ryner returned the borrowed bow and quiver to Seth, though he was sad to see such a weapon go. He knew better than to think it was his, but still, it had been nice to use it while it lasted. Felix did the same. "So, have you figured out what you're going to be singing tonight?" Ryner asked as they picked up the targets and repositioned the halebale to it's orignial spot.
~*~*~
Kyra raised an eyebrow at that, more than a little skeptical about what he was implying. "And how do you know Nick would be hanging around here? Would he have, like, moved on or something?"
|
|
Heterosexual
✧☽ ᴅʀᴇᴀᴍᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴏᴇʀ ☾✧
"You never have to prove yourself to anyone who doesn't accept you for who you are."
|
Post by ✧☽ ᴅʀᴇᴀᴍᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴏᴇʀ ☾✧ on Jan 27, 2021 14:15:45 GMT -5
Sol watched Parker's struggle to sit up, a worried frown pinching at his brow, and almost burned half the rabbit. He turned it on the spit before replying. "Morning." There was a pause, and then he met Parker's eyes, his expression much gentler than it had been since washing up here. "Happy birthday."
~ • ~ • ~ Seth stored both bows with a promise to return them for the competition. Even if they didn't win, at least they would be able to show off some quality bows. To the music question, Seth tipped his head back and forth in a "sort of" gesture. "I've got a couple ideas. Mostly I have to decide if I'm going to pick and choose between them, or just sing them all. Option one will be a lot of soul searching, but I'm not sure I have the energy for option two." He shrugged. "So it'll probably end up being a spur-of-the-moment decision."
~ • ~ • ~ Morgan, too, looked up from writing to give Sebastian a skeptical yet hopeful look. "You can talk to ghosts?"
"Yes," Sebastian said to Morgan. "Where do you think the nickname came from?"
"Seth said you can disappear, or turn invisible. We also figured that was why, because you can move through the world unseen."
Sebastian tilted his head slowly back and forth. "That assumption is both right and wrong. I can move through the world unseen, but my power isn't invisibility. It's... well, it's actually a lot like Seth's power. I can move between dimensions. The difference being, Seth can create his own little dimensions, and I can only travel through ones that are already there."
Morgan stared at him, surprised and impressed. "So is that where Seth got it?"
"Rider Magic doesn't really work that way. It all depends on the individual and how powerful they are. At least, that was always what we believed. Genevieve wasn't so sure, which is why she started that program to begin with, to see if maybe it was genetic, at least in part."
"And what did she decide?" Morgan asked dryly.
Sebastian shrugged. "From what Nick told me, it was really a toss up. Nick thought it had to do with upbringing. Genevieve thought it was because of who, exactly, the parents were."
Morgan arched a brow. "Nature or nurture," he muttered.
Sebastian nodded. "Exactly."
As Morgan mulled that over, Sebastian turned to Kyra with a smile that was equal parts charming and sheepish. "Sorry for straying off topic there, sweetheart." He either didn't notice or ignored the scowl Morgan shot his way. "To answer your question, I can guarantee you that Nick is still hanging around because I've already spoken to him."
|
|
*Nightwhisper
"And guilty I may be, but don't give up on me... We will still be thick as thieves."
|
Post by *Nightwhisper on Jan 27, 2021 21:31:16 GMT -5
Parker stared at Sol for a moment, not sure why he was saying that, when he remembered that it was, in fact, his birthday. "Oh," he muttered, giving a small smile, "thanks." It was awkward and stupid, he knew, but what could he say? "I completely forgot about that."
~*~*~
"So long as you don't get picked to be the first one to sing, winging it will be much easier," Ryner said. "What are the song choices you're thinking of? I'll keep track of them and try to help you narrower the choices down if you haven't thought of anything by the time you're called on stage."
~*~*~
Kyra narrowed her eyes slightly at the name. Leader of the Rebels he might be, but he was about to handled like any other over confident fool who tried pushing his luck too far at a bar. "You might have started out with that piece of information," she commented, "and call me sweetheart again, and you'll find out how wrong that statement is."
|
|
|
|
Heterosexual
✧☽ ᴅʀᴇᴀᴍᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴏᴇʀ ☾✧
"You never have to prove yourself to anyone who doesn't accept you for who you are."
|
Post by ✧☽ ᴅʀᴇᴀᴍᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴏᴇʀ ☾✧ on Jan 28, 2021 15:00:23 GMT -5
Sol gave him a look. Then he reached over, grasped Parker's chin in a gentle yet firm hold, and brought their faces close together. "When," he said sternly. "Don't start doubting me now, swasher."
~ • ~ • ~ "Third, huh? That would good actually. Three is apparently my lucky number." According to Cami, anyway. Seth didn't really believe in luck, except maybe bad luck.
~ • ~ • ~ Sebastian shrugged. "I don't know, kid. That's why I came here at all, because I wasn't getting anywhere searching for him my way."
Finished with the letter, Morgan sat back and watched it burst into flame. The little fire bird flew off through a small window set high in the wall of the tent. "Well, maybe that's a good thing," he said slowly. "If you can't find him, with all your great Rebel resources, then that means Genevieve probably can't find him either. I want to find him, I do, but maybe... maybe if this doesn't work, we can just leave him alone for a while."
"Morgan..." Sebastian started, frowning.
"No, listen." Morgan ran an agitated hand through his hair. "Seth has been fighting for years. Years, Ghost. On the wrong side. He's carrying around so much guilt, and self-loathing, and, and... self-hate. You hear me? Seth hates himself for what he's had to do to keep those closest to him safe. And Anya, that girl he risked everything for, the one I'm pretty sure he's in love with, she's the only one who might get him past all that. But she'll have a very hard time doing that if we find him now, and you guys make him start fighting again.
"So I know — trust me, I know — that this isn't really the best time, but I think we need to just... leave him be. He's hidden, he's safe, and when he's ready... he'll find a way to let me know. But right now, he needs this time away from... from all this." Morgan spread his arms to indicate the whole camp. "He needs to find himself again, and he can't do that here, because here he will need to be a soldier, a warrior. He needs — no, he deserves a chance to just be normal for once. To be just a friend, and a lover, and a normal guy for once in his life. To be without someone else who only wants him for what he can do with a bow, or a sword, or his magic.
"And you know what? I bet that is why Nick won't show himself. Because Nick has always known what Seth needed, even before Seth knew. Nick knows where Seth is, and he knows that wherever it is, that's where Seth needs to be right now. So when the time is right, I'm sure Nick will let you know."
Speech given, Morgan sat back and crossed his arms. He wasn't really sure where that all came from. Five minutes ago, he was sure that all he wanted was to find Seth and make sure he was safe. And he did wish he could know for certain that Seth was safe. But generally no news was good news, right? He had to hope now was one of those times.
|
|
*Nightwhisper
"And guilty I may be, but don't give up on me... We will still be thick as thieves."
|
Post by *Nightwhisper on Jan 28, 2021 21:01:12 GMT -5
Parker could only stare into Sol's eyes as he asserted the positive outlook to the ordeal. He was have blushed too at the sudden closeness had it not been for the change of nickname. "Swasher?" He asked. "Since when did I become that? I thought I was lubber?"
~•~•~
"Well, there you go," Ryner said with a smile. "I'll also try and help with the schedule, so if you need more or less time, just let me know."
~•~•~
Kyra had turned to watch Morgan as he spoke. She knew some of what Seth had to do, but this was the first Morgan had mentioned all of this. That might be because she never gave him a chance, but still. "Morgan's right," she said eventually. "While I think having Seth here would be the safest for him, so long as he's not in Genevieve's hands, he can't be used against us anymore. Perhaps what we need is for things to die down a bit before we make a move to hunt him down."
|
|
Heterosexual
✧☽ ᴅʀᴇᴀᴍᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴏᴇʀ ☾✧
"You never have to prove yourself to anyone who doesn't accept you for who you are."
|
Post by ✧☽ ᴅʀᴇᴀᴍᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴏᴇʀ ☾✧ on Jan 28, 2021 22:17:00 GMT -5
Sol released his hold on Parker, but didn't move away. "That's what the crew calls you, and I know you don't like me calling you that. Yes, I noticed," he affirmed with a smile. "So, now you're my swasher." His smile turned mischievous. "You do know what swasher means, don't you?"
~ • ~ • ~ Seth nodded. "Thanks." With everything put away and set back to rights, Seth helped Aidan gather up the puppies. Aidan had let the little ones out earlier, after learning that bringing them to the Festival today probably wasn't a good idea. Not only were they all sold now, but they were just a lot to handle for three people. Plus, they made it a little tricky to have fun and, in Seth's case, perform on stage. So Aidan brought them out to play with them and tucker them out a little before leaving for the Festival.
Now, with the pups all safely tucked back into their stall, Seth and Aidan caught up to the Dorrehs at the house. Star, not one to be left behind, was trotting along with. Unlike the puppies, no one had a problem with Star coming. She was well-behaved and well-trained, and wouldn't be a bother while at the Festival. She would, however, be put on a leash once they got there, just to keep other people from complaining.
~ • ~ • ~ Sebastian looked from Morgan to Kyra, his expression giving nothing away. It seemed his old friend was right: these three - Seth, Morgan, and Kyra - were a team, a family, despite the years spent apart, physically or emotionally. They would stand up for each other, even in times of quarrel. And that was exactly why Sebastian wanted them, together, within the Rebel's ranks. But he had been patient this long; he could wait a little longer.
"All right," he said at last. "Seth can stay where he's at - for now. But in the meantime, I want both of you to come back to the Hideout with me. I have a mission that needs doing, and you two are perfect for the job."
Morgan hesitated. "I can't leave the Veras. I promised Seth I would protect them." But he wouldn't mind leaving this camp. His restless nature never liked staying in one place for long, especially not when he was stuck there. At least at the House he had been able to come and go as he pleased. Here, the confinement, no matter how necessary, was beginning to smother him.
Sebastian shrugged. "So bring them along, if that's what you all want. I wouldn't mind getting to know them better myself anyway."
|
|
*Nightwhisper
"And guilty I may be, but don't give up on me... We will still be thick as thieves."
|
Post by *Nightwhisper on Jan 29, 2021 7:24:33 GMT -5
"The only thing that I've heard close to that is a swashbuckler, and I believe that is more you than me," Parker said with a small laugh.
~•~•~
Anya had followed her brothers back to the house and was more or less just waiting for Seth and Adian to get done. While they did, Ryner continued with the questions of the nights party.
"You'll be coming with us, right Cricket?" Ryner asked. While his tone was still cheerful, he posed the question carefully.
"I don't know," Anya answered. " I really don't feel like going."
"Not even to see Seth perform?" Felix asked.
"I've seen him perform. I've sung with him once. I do want to go and support him, but..." she started, letting the words fall away.
Felix and Ryner didn't need her to finish the sentence. Felix stepped over to her and put an arm around her shoulder, pulling her close. "I know, but we're all going to be there," he told her. "We'll be with you the entire time. I think the three of us, including Seth, can make up for Parker not being here. We're not going to let anything happen."
"I know," Anya murmured, but she still felt uneasy by the idea of going. She was just getting over Parker's absence, and she wasn't sure if she'd be able to enjoy the night having to look over her shoulder the entire time.
~•~•~
Krya, however, was a little more cautious about the mention of leaving. "What kind of mission?" She asked. Lawrence was good about asking his spies if they thought they were up for a job. If they didn't feel comfortable in their skills, he didn't push them. He always had backups in place. But this was the leader to Rebels. If they had no choice but to do it, she wanted to know right now what they were getting into so she could prepare.
|
|
|
Post by ♥.•°Insanity°•.♥ on Jan 29, 2021 12:44:11 GMT -5
“Well, the local weirdos are kind of growing on me,” Evaleigh said with a laugh. “I might just stay.” She gave a nod. “But, I will need your phone number to hit you up for camping later.” Evaleigh mentioned while standing up and searching around on a nearby desk for a pen. “I don’t have my phone on me at the moment, but I’ll just write it on my hand, if you don’t mind.”
|
|
Heterosexual
✧☽ ᴅʀᴇᴀᴍᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴏᴇʀ ☾✧
"You never have to prove yourself to anyone who doesn't accept you for who you are."
|
Post by ✧☽ ᴅʀᴇᴀᴍᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴏᴇʀ ☾✧ on Jan 29, 2021 15:09:53 GMT -5
Sol shrugged one shoulder. "Only the sword wielding part. The rest — adventurous, romantic, chivalrous, witty... well, that reminds me more of you." He sat back, but only a little. "Maybe I can introduce you to swordplay when we get back. Would that interest you?"
~ • ~ • ~ "Ready, ready, ready!" When Aidan caught up to the Dorrehs, he ran right past them, too excited to put on the brakes. Star was on his heels, barking merrily.
Seth caught up more slowly, laughing. "That kid, man..." He shook his head, and noticed Anya. His smile faded. "Hey, are you okay? What's wrong?" She suddenly looked so sad and scared, he felt the need to pull her into a hug. But Felix already had that covered, so he just put his hands in his pockets instead. His concerned gaze never left Anya though.
~ • ~ • ~ Sebastian shook his head. "Sorry, that's classified. I don't trust..." He looked around at the thin walls of the tent. "There are too many possibilities for unwanted ears listening in here. But if you come with me to the Hideout, I can tell you both all about it."
Morgan frowned. "You don't trust your own Rebels?"
"No, no, I do. But the reason we've survived this long by being careful and operating on a need-to-know basis. And most people don't need to know."
|
|
*Nightwhisper
"And guilty I may be, but don't give up on me... We will still be thick as thieves."
|
Post by *Nightwhisper on Jan 29, 2021 20:56:59 GMT -5
Now he did blush. Parker still thought that everything he said could and did apply to Sol as well, but he knew that if he brought that up, he wouldn't ever get his point to stick. "I don't think witty applies, but I guess you might have a point with the others," he admitted.
~*~*~
When Seth entered the kitchen, Anya straightened up a little bit and gave him a small smile. "Yeah, I'm fine," she said. "Just... missing Parker..." And it was true. She missed him more now than anything. Shrugging off her brother's arm, she stepped away back to the door. "If there's nothing we have to get, we should probably be going."
Felix and Ryner exchanged a quick look and a silent agreement before nodding and following. "Come on, kid, or you're going to be left," Ryner called to Aidan, joking of course.
~*~*~
"And I don't trust people who don't give me the whole story," Kyra countered. Sure, he might just say he didn't need her to do the mission, but she still wasn't going to be left in the dark. Even without the full details, she wanted something that might hint to the nature of the mission he had in mind.
Dallas smiled at that. "Well then, I think you'll fit in just fine," he told her. "Oh, yeah, sure. Stitch has some paper though. No need to write it on your hand. I think it's in the first draw on the left." he pointed to the counter that ran along the opposite with of the wall. Medical supplies were neatly arranged on the count, but most of it was stashed away in the cabinets and cupboards out of sight.
|
|
Heterosexual
✧☽ ᴅʀᴇᴀᴍᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴏᴇʀ ☾✧
"You never have to prove yourself to anyone who doesn't accept you for who you are."
|
Post by ✧☽ ᴅʀᴇᴀᴍᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴏᴇʀ ☾✧ on Jan 29, 2021 21:54:12 GMT -5
Sol shrugged, smiling faintly. "I usually do." He turned the spit once more, double checking that the meat was cooked through, before removing it from the fire. "Breakfast is served."
~ • ~ • ~ "Woo!" And Aidan came tearing back the way he'd come, the boy's energy endless.
Seth couldn't help a faint smile as he watched the boy, but his gaze soon returned to Anya as he followed the Dorrehs out.
~ • ~ • ~ "And I don't blame you for that. Trust is earned, not given. But I can't earn your trust here. I'm a Ghost, Kyra. That's why very few Rebels have ever seen me. That's why I'm leaving tomorrow night, with or without you. The choice is yours." He shifted his stance and put his hands in his pockets. "However... I can tell you that if you choose to stay, there's no guarantee you will be involved with retrieving Seth. He's too dangerous, whether he means to be or not, to be left in the hands of a camp that's ninety percent human. The Hideout is where our largest group of Rebel Riders is, and it's the only place we can risk bringing Seth. So, if you're not there, it's unlikely you'll be reunited with him.
"Morgan," Sebastian went on, stalling the protest the younger man was forming. "I appreciate the trust you have in Seth, and I wish I could say I share it. But while I know don't know Seth as well as you do, I do know that he is dangerous. Nick made sure of it, and Genevieve's influence only honed the blade. He has a reputation for disobeying authority as ling as yours. Do you really think he'll take orders from someone like Lawrence?"
Morgan crossed his arms. "No. But what makes you think he'll take orders from you? At least Lawrence didn't betray and abandon him."
Sebastian's expression didn't change, but he let out a slow breath. "I know he won't take orders from me. But I know someone who can get him to listen."
"Yeah? Who?" Morgan challenged.
Sebastian shook his head. "Come with me to the Hideout and I'll introduce you. Until then..." He shrugged. "Need-to-know."
|
|
*Nightwhisper
"And guilty I may be, but don't give up on me... We will still be thick as thieves."
|
Post by *Nightwhisper on Jan 29, 2021 22:07:37 GMT -5
Parker smiled a little more as he turned his attention to the rabbit that had been cooking. "At least the snares worked," he said, waiting for the meat to cool before he even tried to grab any. "They're not the best with vines, but there's little we could do about that."
~*~*~
Anya, for her part, didn't look over to Seth, even though she could feel his eyes on her. She didn't want to have to explain herself. Not now when they were all so excited for the contest. It wouldn't be right for her to ruin their fun.
~*~*~
Kyra listened and remained silent for a couple of seconds. The options weren't great either way, but there was little they could do. "Give us until morning," she said. "If we're going or not, you'll know by the time you leave. Until then, there are things about this we have to discuss. After all, this doesn't sound like something we need to take lightly."
|
|
Heterosexual
✧☽ ᴅʀᴇᴀᴍᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴏᴇʀ ☾✧
"You never have to prove yourself to anyone who doesn't accept you for who you are."
|
Post by ✧☽ ᴅʀᴇᴀᴍᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴏᴇʀ ☾✧ on Jan 29, 2021 22:43:23 GMT -5
"One of them did. Might have been more, if I had been able to see where I was putting them last night." While waiting for the food to cool enough to eat, Sol got up and checked on their clothes. The shirts were dry, but their boots and Parker's coat still had damp spots. Sol moved them so the damp spots were closer to the fire before reclaiming his seat.
~ • ~ • ~ Seth kept one eye on Anya during the walk, but he also conversed easily with Aidan, Ryner, and Felix. They talked mostly about archery, and all the great shots they had managed to make over the years. To an outside observer, Seth seemed totally into the conversation, smiling and laughing and never missing a beat with jokes or witty comebacks. But he was distracted nonetheless by Anya's lack of contribution to the conversation.
~ • ~ • ~ Sebastian nodded. "Of course. I'll be meeting with Lawrence and the other camp leaders tomorrow morning, but other than that I'll be free. If I'm not here, don't worry. I'll find you."
|
|
*Nightwhisper
"And guilty I may be, but don't give up on me... We will still be thick as thieves."
|
Post by *Nightwhisper on Jan 30, 2021 9:43:12 GMT -5
"We can move them once we're done," Parker said. "If we can find a stream close by, that would be the best place. There will be more animals by the fresh water than trying to guess where they might be hiding."
~*~*~
Anya heard the conversation going on, heard the small cues from her brothers and Seth alike that would have given her a chance to jump in and be apart of it as well, but she just couldn't bring herself to do so. The closer they got to town, the worse she felt. Yesterday had been fine. Everyone was out and about and there were so many people going every which way, she didn't really have to worry too much. Today, however, she knew there wouldn't be as big of a crowd. Today was the events for the younger adults, and while there would be more than just them, it still meant the chances of running into him were greater. When they finally reached the town, the woman subtly walked a step closer to Seth, resisting the urge to look around already despite knowing nothing would happen right off the bat, even if he was there.
~*~*~
Kyra nodded. "Will that be all?" she asked. Even though she was ready to turn and leave, her training reminded her that this wasn't just Lawrence, and she should probably asked to be dismissed before just assuming so.
|
|
Heterosexual
✧☽ ᴅʀᴇᴀᴍᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴏᴇʀ ☾✧
"You never have to prove yourself to anyone who doesn't accept you for who you are."
|
Post by ✧☽ ᴅʀᴇᴀᴍᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴏᴇʀ ☾✧ on Jan 30, 2021 11:50:12 GMT -5
"That's the plan," Sol agreed. "We'll need the water for ourselves if we're going to survive here for any length of time."
~ • ~ • ~ Seth could understand her not joining in the conversation. He had done a fair job cheering her up yesterday, but today Parker's absence seemed fresh again. Seth couldn't fault her for that. But when they got to the Festival and she started walking closer to him, he knew there was more to this mood of hers than just Parker being missing. She radiated fearful tension, and Seth wasn't going to sit back and hope she worked through it.
So he grabbed her hand and pulled her to a stop before they could get any further into the crowd. It was still quiet enough here that he said, "Okay, what's going on? And don't tell me it's nothing. I have extensive training that says otherwise. Not to mention, I know you well enough now to know when you're lying. Just... tell me what's wrong. Please."
~ • ~ • ~ "Yeah, yeah, you're good. Thank you, both of you. I know this didn't exactly go the way you hoped, but I appreciate all your help."
"Just promise me you won't hurt Seth," Morgan said, moving to stand beside Kyra. "That's how you can repay me for the help."
Sebastian hesitated. "I can't promise he won't get hurt, but I will do everything in my power to prevent it. I don't want to see him hurt anymore than you do. I know I haven't set a very good fatherly example, but he is still my son."
Morgan stared hard at him for a minute. "If you want to make sure he doesn't get hurt, then bring me with you when you find him. He'll put up less of a fight. Or better yet, send me in to get him alone."
"I'll try, Morgan. But my leadership isn't absolute, not like Genevieve's. I have a... council of sorts, and we make big decisions that effect everybody together, as a team. And unfortunately, this... bringing the Dragonslayer into out midst..." He sighed. "Seth is my son, but the Dragonslayer has been a threat to us for years. It has taken me this long just to convince the council to bring him in alive. A lot of them would prefer to see him dead."
Morgan clenched his jaw. "Why bring him in at all, then? Why not just leave him be?"
"Because we need his help, Morgan. Having him on our side could change... everything. He is a very powerful Rider, more so than he even realizes."
|
|
*Nightwhisper
"And guilty I may be, but don't give up on me... We will still be thick as thieves."
|
Post by *Nightwhisper on Jan 30, 2021 13:02:53 GMT -5
Parker nodded. "Then we can be killing two birds with one stone," he said. "Only, not with an actual bird."
~*~*~
Felix and Ryner, who had been keeping just as close an eye on their sister as Seth had, noticed the moment they stopped. Both turned towards them, but neither tried to interfere. They couldn't speak for Anya, but both would step in if she needed the help.
"Seth, I'm okay," Anya told him. "There's just someone I hope we don't run into, that's all. We don't get along, haven't for years, and I would just rather stay away from him." She didn't lie, but it wasn't the whole truth either. Still, she wasn't going to discuss that matter here. He might understand, but she wasn't ready to just speak about it so casually.
~*~*~
"Not to mention he knows more about Genevieve than even you might at this point," Kyra added, directing the comment towards Sebastian. "We both go to get Seth with you, and if only Morgan can go, then I want to be near to act as back-up. That's the conditions if you wish us to join."
|
|
Heterosexual
✧☽ ᴅʀᴇᴀᴍᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴏᴇʀ ☾✧
"You never have to prove yourself to anyone who doesn't accept you for who you are."
|
Post by ✧☽ ᴅʀᴇᴀᴍᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴏᴇʀ ☾✧ on Jan 30, 2021 14:45:17 GMT -5
Sol chuckled. "Yes, no bird killing. I'm actually waiting for one to come to our rescue." He looked upward as he said it, scanning the sky for a familiar flying figure.
~ • ~ • ~ Seth studied her for a minute. He could tell there was more to it, but he also knew now wasn't the time to get into it, even if he could convince her to tell him details. So finally, he nodded. "All right. But, Anya... we don't have to be here if you don't want to be."
~ • ~ • ~ Sebastian looked back and forth between them, one determined face to the other, before nodding. "I will do my best," he promised. "And in the case of an emergency, if I don't time to call for you, I'll make sure everyone is careful. Okay?"
Morgan didn't really like it, but he nodded. "Fine. Just, whatever you do, don't get between him and Anya. That'll only end in disaster."
Sebastian looked amused, but he replied in the same calm tone. "Noted. Thank you."
|
|
|
|
|
|