Chapter 101: Resolution
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Chapter 101: Resolution
Peering down the length of my arrow, I steady my aim and hold my breath, making sure everything is in place before I fire my shot. The adorably chubby bunny plods along down the field with a series of tiny hops, its twin horns prominently on display. Saying a small prayer in my mind, I apologize to the little adorable bunny, but I am hungry and you are delicious. Die well.
With a resounding twang, I loose my arrow to soar through the air in a majestic arc, landing with a dull, disappointing thud into the dirt, my quarry scampering away as quickly as it can, a streak of gray in a field of green.
Damn it.
You shouldn't close your eye while shooting, you need both to judge distance properly. Don't hold your breath either, it makes you jerk up when you release. Exhale, release, then inhale. Huu gives me some advice, things I've heard before but I keep reverting back to bad habits. It's been too long since I fired an arrow.
Sorry about that, cost us some good eating. Rabbits are magically delicious.
No need to worry, we'll find something else. The two of us trek forward to reclaim my arrow, our eyes peeled for more meat, hunting for our supper. Most of the Sentinels are content to eat whatever available but if you want something extra for yourself, you need to hunt it down. The smart move would be to just eat the prepared food now, at the beginning of our journey to the Bridge, but I tasted fresh, spiced food this morning inside Shen Huo, and lunch was enough to keep me away from camp fare for days to come.
You look better with the new haircut and clothes. His awkward compliment surprises me, and I respond with a small smile, unsure of what to say. Taduk had a bunch of clothes ready for me, normal leathers that are easy to move around in, and I do feel better now that I can no longer be mistaken for a homosexual beggar child. Not exactly the image I'm trying to convey. Thank you for coming out hunting with me, I know you're tired and still have plenty of responsibilities to attend to.
Looking over at Huu, I raise my eyebrow, questioning the odd statement. We both know I'm a terrible hunting partner, but I need the extra food on account of overtaxing myself for weeks. The sad truth is we are most likely going to be splitting what you catch so really, I should be the one thanking you.
Looking sheepish, he doesn't bother to correct me and continues scanning the grass for movement, carefully gathering his words before he speaks. I should try that sometimes, maybe I'd get in less trouble if I did. I called you out because I wanted to ask you for a favor.
Name it.Updated from novelbIn.(c)om
I know that the Chief Provost has burdened you with the financial responsibilities of the former soldiers, so if you need help gathering herbs or hunting beasts, I was hoping that you would bring me along. A timid shrug follows the hurried request, his head and ears drooping down as if ashamed to ask for a job.
Smacking him on the arm lightly, I smile and answer, What kind of favor is that? I'd appreciate your help and there's no one else I'd rather have watching my back. Not entirely true, Baatar would be better, but Huu is reliable and efficient, and even though he is 'older' than me, he puts on no airs, treating me with respect and friendship. I like him, he's easy to be around and reassuring to have at my side in a fight. Any particular reason you need coin? If it's important and not too expensive, I don't mind just gifting him the money now, or giving him an advance.
Smiling in his simple way, he looks happier than anyone has a right to be, content and without regret. That's another thing I wanted to ask you about, I want to buy Yosai and Yesui betrothal gifts, but I'm unsure of what. You're so worldly, I thought you might be able to give me some advice.
Uh oh. Uh... Betrothal gifts? Is that a thing? It's painful that he thinks I'm worldly, this poor, naive child.
His surprise only lasts for a split second before rueful acceptance kicks in, his tolerance for my ignorance far higher than most. I thought you already knew, what with gifting Yan those quins. It is tradition to prove your ability to provide for your mate, with a gift or gesture. For example, my Pa built a new house for Ma and Elia all by himself, a testament to his carpentry skills. He provided a place for Ma to return after her travels, as well as a stove for Elia to bake in.
That's actually pretty impressive, building a house, I'd have no idea where to begin with that and from the look on Huu's face, neither does he. Um... is that why everyone thinks I gave Yan those quins? I bought Shana because she seemed so sad about losing her, and I wanted to keep the pups for myself. Shit, I guess I should buy something for Mila, but what?
Regardless of your reasons, everyone believes it was a betrothal gift, and a grand one at that. The quins are where we got the tradition from first, and not only is her love of those animals well-known, asking her to look after your quin will have her thinking of you often. Yesui often compliments you about the gesture. Likely also hinting to Huu that she wants her own romantic gesture, and it seems he got the message.
Huu begins to answer, but a blur of motion causes me to react, time contracting as I shove Huu aside and dive awkwardly to the other, a golden brown streak of fur crashing through the space we only just occupied. Landing hard in a controlled slide, it skids across the grass and dirt, spinning to meet us in a graceful manner with a piercing yowl that sends a shiver down my spine. Crouched and ready to pounce, it continues to make sounds of warning, like rumbling from deep in the earth while its yellow eyes glare at us, daring us to make a move.
A wildcat the size of a pony, its enormous fangs and dagger-like claws are prominently displayed only a few meters away from us, the three of us deadlocked with Huu and I too terrified to move and the cat too wary to pounce, unsure how we had avoided its killing lunge. Only a single second of time from when it first arrived to now, and it feels as if it had been an eternity in the happening. Standing before the angry creature, I lick my lips slowly while Huu lays prone to my right, his bow at his side, unable to regain his balance, not expecting to be pushed. As he slowly raises his bow, the cat's back arches and its tail violently thrashes from side to side, the warning growl rising in a crescendo and pitch, quieting back down to a warning rumble when he lowers his hand again.
Smart cat. Good kitty. Just stay where you are.
My right hand on Peace, I ready myself to draw in an instant, not wanting to make any unnecessary movements, the tense atmosphere raising my blood pressure to unreasonable heights, my brain processing each sensation with surprising clarity, the cool path of a single bead of sweat, making its way down my neck, the musky scent of rotten meat, emanating from the cat's mouth, the taste of blood from where I bit the side of my mouth. My heart beats a single time, the thumping echoing in my ears and the silence that follows is almost deafening, an emptiness that yearns to be filled.
I sense the pounce before anything else, no clue about its intentions besides a gut feeling, and I explode into motion, taking a single step diagonally, forward and to the right. The cat's outstretched paws lead the way as it pounces towards Huu like a bolt of lightning, its mouth opened wide and ready to kill, the primal creature choosing to attack what it deemed was an easy kill. Peace reverberates as it cuts through the air, chiming from the vibrations left in its wake, biting deep into the wildcats shoulder as it passes by. With every ounce of strength I can muster, I follow through with the strike, the impact exploding with power as I push forward, the yowl turning into a shrieking wail as its body sails to the right of its intended target, swatted away mid-air to crash into the dirt only centimeters from Huu.
My heart beats a second time before time resumes its normal course, a hammering chorus as it threatens to leap out of my chest, the world closing in around me as I pant for breath. Huu rolls away from the frenzied clawing of the wildcat and leaps to his feet, loosing arrow after arrow from point-blank range, firing without thinking as it tries to get up to strike again, continuing long after the creature stops moving, its corpse pincushioned by a half-dozen arrows, Huu still reaching for more. The world is silent except for my heavy panting and the twang of Huu's bowstring as he continues to fire away, too shocked to do anything else until his arrows run out. Peace is still held horizontally in my grip, blood dripping from the blade, Huu's bow still pointed at the corpse while his other hand sits inside his quiver, both of us taking the time to contemplate just how close we came to dying while staring at the almost pitiful remains of our would-be killer.
There's no way I can last a year without almost dying, not unless I really decide to become a hermit.
Well then, I think we learned something today. Huu turns towards my voice with a blank expression on his face, and I can't help but stare at his wolf ears. Cats really fucking hate you.
His slack-jawed face stares at me while I stare at his ears, the silver-furred tufts slightly bent, making him look like a friendly dog and not wolf, and I can't help but chuckle at the thought. Cats and dogs. After a few seconds, the both of us begin roaring in laughter, giddy as the unspent adrenaline makes it way through our system, happy to be alive.
Still chuckling beneath my breath, I unpack my kit and start treating a few small lacerations on Huu's arm, the fly by pounce managing to nick him. That was incredible Rain, you moved so quickly I barely even realized what was going on until the cat landed beside me. You saved my life twice in as many seconds, and here I was talking about watching your back, when you're the one who is watching mine. He lets out a self-depreciating chuckle as he shakes his head. I should have noticed the cat, it isn't normal for deer to be running full tilt like that.
Hey, I know you have my back and I have yours. No need to keep score and nothing to worry about, we're both still in one piece. His arm bandaged, we grab a few sturdy branches and begin lashing the animals to them in preparation to carry them back to camp, letting them bleed out while we travel. It may attract more predators that way, but there's too much meat for Jaga to carry. I need to buy a new quin soon, this is getting ridiculous. I wonder if the wagon quins are cheaper, they aren't trained to fight but most of my squad is riding them anyways, because there just aren't enough battle-trained quins available. I'm fucking terrible fighting on quinback anyways, it's easier to fight on foot.
Our kills secured, we steadily march back to camp, Huu leading the way while we carry four large carcasses between us, over 1000kg in weight in total. Salivating at the thought of deer steaks and grimacing at the thought of cat stew, I walk in silence, our first day of travel at an end.
I don't know what we're going to do when we reach the Bridge, but I'm going to try to enjoy the time we have until then.
I have a feeling that once shit goes down, there won't be many good times to be had for a while.
A rustle in the bushes causes us to drop the carcasses, our weapons drawn in an instant, both of us on high alert. A trio of fearsome creatures burst out from the undergrowth, mewling ferociously as they claw the air, my unmanly squeal ringing out through the forest.
Kitties!
Chapter Meme
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Chapter 101: Resolution
Peering down the length of my arrow, I steady my aim and hold my breath, making sure everything is in place before I fire my shot. The adorably chubby bunny plods along down the field with a series of tiny hops, its twin horns prominently on display. Saying a small prayer in my mind, I apologize to the little adorable bunny, but I am hungry and you are delicious. Die well.
With a resounding twang, I loose my arrow to soar through the air in a majestic arc, landing with a dull, disappointing thud into the dirt, my quarry scampering away as quickly as it can, a streak of gray in a field of green.
Damn it.
You shouldn't close your eye while shooting, you need both to judge distance properly. Don't hold your breath either, it makes you jerk up when you release. Exhale, release, then inhale. Huu gives me some advice, things I've heard before but I keep reverting back to bad habits. It's been too long since I fired an arrow.
Sorry about that, cost us some good eating. Rabbits are magically delicious.
No need to worry, we'll find something else. The two of us trek forward to reclaim my arrow, our eyes peeled for more meat, hunting for our supper. Most of the Sentinels are content to eat whatever available but if you want something extra for yourself, you need to hunt it down. The smart move would be to just eat the prepared food now, at the beginning of our journey to the Bridge, but I tasted fresh, spiced food this morning inside Shen Huo, and lunch was enough to keep me away from camp fare for days to come.
You look better with the new haircut and clothes. His awkward compliment surprises me, and I respond with a small smile, unsure of what to say. Taduk had a bunch of clothes ready for me, normal leathers that are easy to move around in, and I do feel better now that I can no longer be mistaken for a homosexual beggar child. Not exactly the image I'm trying to convey. Thank you for coming out hunting with me, I know you're tired and still have plenty of responsibilities to attend to.
Looking over at Huu, I raise my eyebrow, questioning the odd statement. We both know I'm a terrible hunting partner, but I need the extra food on account of overtaxing myself for weeks. The sad truth is we are most likely going to be splitting what you catch so really, I should be the one thanking you.
Looking sheepish, he doesn't bother to correct me and continues scanning the grass for movement, carefully gathering his words before he speaks. I should try that sometimes, maybe I'd get in less trouble if I did. I called you out because I wanted to ask you for a favor.
Name it.Updated from novelbIn.(c)om
I know that the Chief Provost has burdened you with the financial responsibilities of the former soldiers, so if you need help gathering herbs or hunting beasts, I was hoping that you would bring me along. A timid shrug follows the hurried request, his head and ears drooping down as if ashamed to ask for a job.
Smacking him on the arm lightly, I smile and answer, What kind of favor is that? I'd appreciate your help and there's no one else I'd rather have watching my back. Not entirely true, Baatar would be better, but Huu is reliable and efficient, and even though he is 'older' than me, he puts on no airs, treating me with respect and friendship. I like him, he's easy to be around and reassuring to have at my side in a fight. Any particular reason you need coin? If it's important and not too expensive, I don't mind just gifting him the money now, or giving him an advance.
Smiling in his simple way, he looks happier than anyone has a right to be, content and without regret. That's another thing I wanted to ask you about, I want to buy Yosai and Yesui betrothal gifts, but I'm unsure of what. You're so worldly, I thought you might be able to give me some advice.
Uh oh. Uh... Betrothal gifts? Is that a thing? It's painful that he thinks I'm worldly, this poor, naive child.
His surprise only lasts for a split second before rueful acceptance kicks in, his tolerance for my ignorance far higher than most. I thought you already knew, what with gifting Yan those quins. It is tradition to prove your ability to provide for your mate, with a gift or gesture. For example, my Pa built a new house for Ma and Elia all by himself, a testament to his carpentry skills. He provided a place for Ma to return after her travels, as well as a stove for Elia to bake in.
That's actually pretty impressive, building a house, I'd have no idea where to begin with that and from the look on Huu's face, neither does he. Um... is that why everyone thinks I gave Yan those quins? I bought Shana because she seemed so sad about losing her, and I wanted to keep the pups for myself. Shit, I guess I should buy something for Mila, but what?
Regardless of your reasons, everyone believes it was a betrothal gift, and a grand one at that. The quins are where we got the tradition from first, and not only is her love of those animals well-known, asking her to look after your quin will have her thinking of you often. Yesui often compliments you about the gesture. Likely also hinting to Huu that she wants her own romantic gesture, and it seems he got the message.
Huu begins to answer, but a blur of motion causes me to react, time contracting as I shove Huu aside and dive awkwardly to the other, a golden brown streak of fur crashing through the space we only just occupied. Landing hard in a controlled slide, it skids across the grass and dirt, spinning to meet us in a graceful manner with a piercing yowl that sends a shiver down my spine. Crouched and ready to pounce, it continues to make sounds of warning, like rumbling from deep in the earth while its yellow eyes glare at us, daring us to make a move.
A wildcat the size of a pony, its enormous fangs and dagger-like claws are prominently displayed only a few meters away from us, the three of us deadlocked with Huu and I too terrified to move and the cat too wary to pounce, unsure how we had avoided its killing lunge. Only a single second of time from when it first arrived to now, and it feels as if it had been an eternity in the happening. Standing before the angry creature, I lick my lips slowly while Huu lays prone to my right, his bow at his side, unable to regain his balance, not expecting to be pushed. As he slowly raises his bow, the cat's back arches and its tail violently thrashes from side to side, the warning growl rising in a crescendo and pitch, quieting back down to a warning rumble when he lowers his hand again.
Smart cat. Good kitty. Just stay where you are.
My right hand on Peace, I ready myself to draw in an instant, not wanting to make any unnecessary movements, the tense atmosphere raising my blood pressure to unreasonable heights, my brain processing each sensation with surprising clarity, the cool path of a single bead of sweat, making its way down my neck, the musky scent of rotten meat, emanating from the cat's mouth, the taste of blood from where I bit the side of my mouth. My heart beats a single time, the thumping echoing in my ears and the silence that follows is almost deafening, an emptiness that yearns to be filled.
I sense the pounce before anything else, no clue about its intentions besides a gut feeling, and I explode into motion, taking a single step diagonally, forward and to the right. The cat's outstretched paws lead the way as it pounces towards Huu like a bolt of lightning, its mouth opened wide and ready to kill, the primal creature choosing to attack what it deemed was an easy kill. Peace reverberates as it cuts through the air, chiming from the vibrations left in its wake, biting deep into the wildcats shoulder as it passes by. With every ounce of strength I can muster, I follow through with the strike, the impact exploding with power as I push forward, the yowl turning into a shrieking wail as its body sails to the right of its intended target, swatted away mid-air to crash into the dirt only centimeters from Huu.
My heart beats a second time before time resumes its normal course, a hammering chorus as it threatens to leap out of my chest, the world closing in around me as I pant for breath. Huu rolls away from the frenzied clawing of the wildcat and leaps to his feet, loosing arrow after arrow from point-blank range, firing without thinking as it tries to get up to strike again, continuing long after the creature stops moving, its corpse pincushioned by a half-dozen arrows, Huu still reaching for more. The world is silent except for my heavy panting and the twang of Huu's bowstring as he continues to fire away, too shocked to do anything else until his arrows run out. Peace is still held horizontally in my grip, blood dripping from the blade, Huu's bow still pointed at the corpse while his other hand sits inside his quiver, both of us taking the time to contemplate just how close we came to dying while staring at the almost pitiful remains of our would-be killer.
There's no way I can last a year without almost dying, not unless I really decide to become a hermit.
Well then, I think we learned something today. Huu turns towards my voice with a blank expression on his face, and I can't help but stare at his wolf ears. Cats really fucking hate you.
His slack-jawed face stares at me while I stare at his ears, the silver-furred tufts slightly bent, making him look like a friendly dog and not wolf, and I can't help but chuckle at the thought. Cats and dogs. After a few seconds, the both of us begin roaring in laughter, giddy as the unspent adrenaline makes it way through our system, happy to be alive.
Still chuckling beneath my breath, I unpack my kit and start treating a few small lacerations on Huu's arm, the fly by pounce managing to nick him. That was incredible Rain, you moved so quickly I barely even realized what was going on until the cat landed beside me. You saved my life twice in as many seconds, and here I was talking about watching your back, when you're the one who is watching mine. He lets out a self-depreciating chuckle as he shakes his head. I should have noticed the cat, it isn't normal for deer to be running full tilt like that.
Hey, I know you have my back and I have yours. No need to keep score and nothing to worry about, we're both still in one piece. His arm bandaged, we grab a few sturdy branches and begin lashing the animals to them in preparation to carry them back to camp, letting them bleed out while we travel. It may attract more predators that way, but there's too much meat for Jaga to carry. I need to buy a new quin soon, this is getting ridiculous. I wonder if the wagon quins are cheaper, they aren't trained to fight but most of my squad is riding them anyways, because there just aren't enough battle-trained quins available. I'm fucking terrible fighting on quinback anyways, it's easier to fight on foot.
Our kills secured, we steadily march back to camp, Huu leading the way while we carry four large carcasses between us, over 1000kg in weight in total. Salivating at the thought of deer steaks and grimacing at the thought of cat stew, I walk in silence, our first day of travel at an end.
I don't know what we're going to do when we reach the Bridge, but I'm going to try to enjoy the time we have until then.
I have a feeling that once shit goes down, there won't be many good times to be had for a while.
A rustle in the bushes causes us to drop the carcasses, our weapons drawn in an instant, both of us on high alert. A trio of fearsome creatures burst out from the undergrowth, mewling ferociously as they claw the air, my unmanly squeal ringing out through the forest.
Kitties!
Chapter Meme
Chapter 101: ResolutionPeering down the length of my arrow, I steady my aim and hold my breath, making sure everything is in place before I fire my shot. The adorably chubby bunny plods along down the field with a series of tiny hops, its twin horns prominently on display. Saying a small prayer in my mind, I apologize to the little adorable bunny, but I am hungry and you are delicious. Die well.With a resounding twang, I loose my arrow to soar through the air in a majestic arc, landing with a dull, disappointing thud into the dirt, my quarry scampering away as quickly as it can, a streak of gray in a field of green.Damn it.You shouldn't close your eye while shooting, you need both to judge distance properly. Don't hold your breath either, it makes you jerk up when you release. Exhale, release, then inhale. Huu gives me some advice, things I've heard before but I keep reverting back to bad habits. It's been too long since I fired an arrow.Sorry about that, cost us some good eating. Rabbits are magically delicious.No need to worry, we'll find something else. The two of us trek forward to reclaim my arrow, our eyes peeled for more meat, hunting for our supper. Most of the Sentinels are content to eat whatever available but if you want something extra for yourself, you need to hunt it down. The smart move would be to just eat the prepared food now, at the beginning of our journey to the Bridge, but I tasted fresh, spiced food this morning inside Shen Huo, and lunch was enough to keep me away from camp fare for days to come.You look better with the new haircut and clothes. His awkward compliment surprises me, and I respond with a small smile, unsure of what to say. Taduk had a bunch of clothes ready for me, normal leathers that are easy to move around in, and I do feel better now that I can no longer be mistaken for a homosexual beggar child. Not exactly the image I'm trying to convey. Thank you for coming out hunting with me, I know you're tired and still have plenty of responsibilities to attend to.Looking over at Huu, I raise my eyebrow, questioning the odd statement. We both know I'm a terrible hunting partner, but I need the extra food on account of overtaxing myself for weeks. The sad truth is we are most likely going to be splitting what you catch so really, I should be the one thanking you.Looking sheepish, he doesn't bother to correct me and continues scanning the grass for movement, carefully gathering his words before he speaks. I should try that sometimes, maybe I'd get in less trouble if I did. I called you out because I wanted to ask you for a favor.Name it.Updated from novelbIn.comI know that the Chief Provost has burdened you with the financial responsibilities of the former soldiers, so if you need help gathering herbs or hunting beasts, I was hoping that you would bring me along. A timid shrug follows the hurried request, his head and ears drooping down as if ashamed to ask for a job.Smacking him on the arm lightly, I smile and answer, What kind of favor is that? I'd appreciate your help and there's no one else I'd rather have watching my back. Not entirely true, Baatar would be better, but Huu is reliable and efficient, and even though he is 'older' than me, he puts on no airs, treating me with respect and friendship. I like him, he's easy to be around and reassuring to have at my side in a fight. Any particular reason you need coin? If it's important and not too expensive, I don't mind just gifting him the money now, or giving him an advance.Smiling in his simple way, he looks happier than anyone has a right to be, content and without regret. That's another thing I wanted to ask you about, I want to buy Yosai and Yesui betrothal gifts, but I'm unsure of what. You're so worldly, I thought you might be able to give me some advice.Uh oh. Uh... Betrothal gifts? Is that a thing? It's painful that he thinks I'm worldly, this poor, naive child.His surprise only lasts for a split second before rueful acceptance kicks in, his tolerance for my ignorance far higher than most. I thought you already knew, what with gifting Yan those quins. It is tradition to prove your ability to provide for your mate, with a gift or gesture. For example, my Pa built a new house for Ma and Elia all by himself, a testament to his carpentry skills. He provided a place for Ma to return after her travels, as well as a stove for Elia to bake in.That's actually pretty impressive, building a house, I'd have no idea where to begin with that and from the look on Huu's face, neither does he. Um... is that why everyone thinks I gave Yan those quins? I bought Shana because she seemed so sad about losing her, and I wanted to keep the pups for myself. Shit, I guess I should buy something for Mila, but what?Regardless of your reasons, everyone believes it was a betrothal gift, and a grand one at that. The quins are where we got the tradition from first, and not only is her love of those animals well-known, asking her to look after your quin will have her thinking of you often. Yesui often compliments you about the gesture. Likely also hinting to Huu that she wants her own romantic gesture, and it seems he got the message.Huu begins to answer, but a blur of motion causes me to react, time contracting as I shove Huu aside and dive awkwardly to the other, a golden brown streak of fur crashing through the space we only just occupied. Landing hard in a controlled slide, it skids across the grass and dirt, spinning to meet us in a graceful manner with a piercing yowl that sends a shiver down my spine. Crouched and ready to pounce, it continues to make sounds of warning, like rumbling from deep in the earth while its yellow eyes glare at us, daring us to make a move.A wildcat the size of a pony, its enormous fangs and dagger-like claws are prominently displayed only a few meters away from us, the three of us deadlocked with Huu and I too terrified to move and the cat too wary to pounce, unsure how we had avoided its killing lunge. Only a single second of time from when it first arrived to now, and it feels as if it had been an eternity in the happening. Standing before the angry creature, I lick my lips slowly while Huu lays prone to my right, his bow at his side, unable to regain his balance, not expecting to be pushed. As he slowly raises his bow, the cat's back arches and its tail violently thrashes from side to side, the warning growl rising in a crescendo and pitch, quieting back down to a warning rumble when he lowers his hand again.Smart cat. Good kitty. Just stay where you are.My right hand on Peace, I ready myself to draw in an instant, not wanting to make any unnecessary movements, the tense atmosphere raising my blood pressure to unreasonable heights, my brain processing each sensation with surprising clarity, the cool path of a single bead of sweat, making its way down my neck, the musky scent of rotten meat, emanating from the cat's mouth, the taste of blood from where I bit the side of my mouth. My heart beats a single time, the thumping echoing in my ears and the silence that follows is almost deafening, an emptiness that yearns to be filled.I sense the pounce before anything else, no clue about its intentions besides a gut feeling, and I explode into motion, taking a single step diagonally, forward and to the right. The cat's outstretched paws lead the way as it pounces towards Huu like a bolt of lightning, its mouth opened wide and ready to kill, the primal creature choosing to attack what it deemed was an easy kill. Peace reverberates as it cuts through the air, chiming from the vibrations left in its wake, biting deep into the wildcats shoulder as it passes by. With every ounce of strength I can muster, I follow through with the strike, the impact exploding with power as I push forward, the yowl turning into a shrieking wail as its body sails to the right of its intended target, swatted away mid-air to crash into the dirt only centimeters from Huu.My heart beats a second time before time resumes its normal course, a hammering chorus as it threatens to leap out of my chest, the world closing in around me as I pant for breath. Huu rolls away from the frenzied clawing of the wildcat and leaps to his feet, loosing arrow after arrow from point-blank range, firing without thinking as it tries to get up to strike again, continuing long after the creature stops moving, its corpse pincushioned by a half-dozen arrows, Huu still reaching for more. The world is silent except for my heavy panting and the twang of Huu's bowstring as he continues to fire away, too shocked to do anything else until his arrows run out. Peace is still held horizontally in my grip, blood dripping from the blade, Huu's bow still pointed at the corpse while his other hand sits inside his quiver, both of us taking the time to contemplate just how close we came to dying while staring at the almost pitiful remains of our would-be killer.There's no way I can last a year without almost dying, not unless I really decide to become a hermit.Well then, I think we learned something today. Huu turns towards my voice with a blank expression on his face, and I can't help but stare at his wolf ears. Cats really fucking hate you.His slack-jawed face stares at me while I stare at his ears, the silver-furred tufts slightly bent, making him look like a friendly dog and not wolf, and I can't help but chuckle at the thought. Cats and dogs. After a few seconds, the both of us begin roaring in laughter, giddy as the unspent adrenaline makes it way through our system, happy to be alive.Still chuckling beneath my breath, I unpack my kit and start treating a few small lacerations on Huu's arm, the fly by pounce managing to nick him. That was incredible Rain, you moved so quickly I barely even realized what was going on until the cat landed beside me. You saved my life twice in as many seconds, and here I was talking about watching your back, when you're the one who is watching mine. He lets out a self-depreciating chuckle as he shakes his head. I should have noticed the cat, it isn't normal for deer to be running full tilt like that.Hey, I know you have my back and I have yours. No need to keep score and nothing to worry about, we're both still in one piece. His arm bandaged, we grab a few sturdy branches and begin lashing the animals to them in preparation to carry them back to camp, letting them bleed out while we travel. It may attract more predators that way, but there's too much meat for Jaga to carry. I need to buy a new quin soon, this is getting ridiculous. I wonder if the wagon quins are cheaper, they aren't trained to fight but most of my squad is riding them anyways, because there just aren't enough battle-trained quins available. I'm fucking terrible fighting on quinback anyways, it's easier to fight on foot.Our kills secured, we steadily march back to camp, Huu leading the way while we carry four large carcasses between us, over 1000kg in weight in total. Salivating at the thought of deer steaks and grimacing at the thought of cat stew, I walk in silence, our first day of travel at an end.I don't know what we're going to do when we reach the Bridge, but I'm going to try to enjoy the time we have until then.I have a feeling that once shit goes down, there won't be many good times to be had for a while.A rustle in the bushes causes us to drop the carcasses, our weapons drawn in an instant, both of us on high alert. A trio of fearsome creatures burst out from the undergrowth, mewling ferociously as they claw the air, my unmanly squeal ringing out through the forest.Kitties!Chapter Meme
