Chapter 40: Orientation
The base of the two fires were complete, the meats were distributed on trays placed on the seating, and Sahari was walking back and forth from the garden to ensure that they would need minimal returns for any items throughout the event.
She and Harrow had taken two others of the High Huntress’ pack to check the snares, both of them keeping an eye on the new members as they inspected and asked questions about the traps. Luckily, neither of them did much more than inquire about how to use the items themselves so that they would be able to contribute to the catch. They seemed confused as to why the pack did not hunt properly, but a brief explanation about how the Human method had allowed them to avoid losing even a single member to the wildlife sated the curiosity, though it did dredge fresh wounds for them.
The two casually requested access to some of the pack’s weapons to partake in hunting in a larger group since they now had access to a number enough to hunt in squads and had someone to teach them in the form of Jax, but a swift denial and redirection to forward the message to Mi’low for Joseph’s consideration subdued them.
Sahari didn’t think that any real harm would come from it, but they had stockpiled the spears while testing various tempering techniques that Harrow had suggested, so she would rather err on the side of caution when giving away the results of their tedious testing process. The subsequent request for a bow was more firmly denied on the basis that it was time consuming, though she knew from a speculative conversation with Joseph that he was anxious about the idea to begin with.
Joseph as a whole seemed to be on edge, his casual demeanour coming off as forced and the watchful glares any time he came near the new pack were telling of his anxiety. She could feel his unease and the small defensive posturing despite his outwardly affable display. Her volunteering as a guard when the opportunity arose due to Pan’s insistence had been instantaneous, the ex-Grand Huntress having been contemplating suggesting as much herself ever since the storm that had almost stolen him from the pack. The Grand Hunter had a knack for ending up in dangerous situations and it was a worrying prospect.
Tel had changed slightly since the event as well. Sahari knew her of different mettle when she was active, but the sharp switch between her playful side and the calculating had been something set in stone for the cook. The reveal of a tepid and reticent facet to her character was at odds with the brash and terse.
Tel may not have noticed herself, but Sahari watched how much closer she stood to the Grand hunter. How direct her blatant seductions had become. The look of a predator hunting its prey having shifted to a spark of genuine desire beyond the physical. Something had changed in their dynamic since that moon, Sahari just wasn’t completely sure what and the bond told of no answers.
The black-furred female sighed. At least Nalah seems to have gotten over her outburst, though Joseph was obviously still wounded by the words she spat at him. Hopefully they find some common ground to bridge whatever gap had opened between them.
She set the last of the logs next to the fire, enough for them to have a fair flame for the duration of the celebrations. Mama had been more than happy to assist in cutting up the tinder and was currently donning her winter wear with Violet, Pan and Jax assisting as Harrow notified the High Huntress’ pack that things were to begin soon.
The dormitory door to the farm opened, Joseph and Tel entering the area as they crossed over the buried soil to inspect the arrangement.
“Grand Hunter, the preparations are complete and we shall be able to begin shortly.” Sahari greeted the male, noticing that he seemed more relaxed than earlier as if a small weight had been lifted.
“Yeah, it looks good.” He glanced at the second fire pit. “Why is there two? Letting both groups do their own thing?”
She nodded. “I felt it is what you would recommend.”
He chuckled as he verified the seating for both. “You’d be right. They’re far enough apart that it’s private, but close enough that either could join the other without it being too weird. Good job.”
“Your praise is wasted on me.” She bowed deeply to hide the grin. “But you would do well to do it more.”
Joseph clapped as enthusiastically as he could with one arm so heavily bandaged. “You are a fucking miracle that has been bestowed upon us by the world and we are grateful forevermore.”
“That or she is to be an omen of ruin” Tel quipped from his side.
“I feel you both are in need of practise in wooing another.” Sahari straightened up with a bemused expression. Joseph returned a half smile while Tel shook her head. “You will remain blind to the love directed towards you at this rate.”
“If only you knew the irony.” The grey-furred female retorted.
Sahari waved her off. “The Void may adore me all it desires, i care not for it.”
“I’m worried about getting on a first name basis with it at this rate.” Joseph complained, turning his head to look at the new members slowly trickle into the area under the promise of food and fancy. His anxiety spiked as he noticed them, his form stiffening. Tel quietly slipped a dagger from her holster and laid the handle into his tense paw that grabbed at it as soon as it made contact with his skin. He shot her a silent gratitude as he tucked it into the waist of his pants, his worry abating through the bond.
Armed, and taking a closer position to the two of his pack, Joseph calmed down a bit, though there was some lingering guilt in needing to have a weapon on paw to feel safe. Sahari decided not to mention the exchange and simply spark the fires as the pack filtered into the area. Jax and Nalah joined first, followed by Harrow after a small stint of the pack stoking the fires and ensuring that everyone knew where their allotment of meats and wood was.
Joseph sat in the middle of the log bench that allowed him vision of the other fire, Tel, curiously, joined him to his left. Harrow and Jax claimed their own log and Nalah sat to Sahari’s right.
They allowed some time for the fires to build and the lingering members of the High Huntress’ pack to gather, the various Lilhun finishing with whatever tasks they had set amongst themselves. Once Mi’low joined, being the last of the new group to arrive, Joseph stretched out on his seat.
“I’ll grab Pan and ready the new guys for Mama and Violet.” He absently brushed his fingertips across the loop of the dagger Tel had provided. “Hope you guys like listening to me talk for a few.”
“I was not aware you could stop.” Jax shot him a bemused expression with the jest.
“I wasn’t aware you wanted to eat.” Joseph returned, Harrow giggling at Jax’s frown.
“Surely you mean to imply i would get the first choice. You would not have me go undernourished.”
The Grand Hunter made a show of placing his fist to his lips and stare into the fire with a brooding expression as he pretended to contemplate something. “Nope. Can’t find that fuck to give.” He declared, throwing his paw outward in faux dismay. “Sorry, Jax. Guess you starve.”
“It’s okay Jax, don’t mind him.” Harrow reassured her mate with a poorly stifled snicker. “I’ll describe how it tastes. It’ll be just like if you could eat it.”
Joseph snorted, a relaxed smile shattering some of the apprehension he had built thinking about needing to address the pack in its new entirety. “Bah, screw it. Jax, you can eat this time.”
“This time?” The Security Head complained.
“I can change my mind!” The Human pointed accusingly towards him, a grin playing at his lips. Some of the nervousness returned as he stood, weaker in intensity, though still accessible. “I’ll be back, don’t let Jax eat the firewood or something.”
Jax smirked as his friend walked into the building, Harrow showing a bit more of the ease that her mate felt. The male had been as on edge as Sahari was for most of the day, perhaps having to do with his insistence on protecting the second most likely to be accosted party in their pack. It was no surprise that several of the new members had some choice words regarding the Paw’s condition and how it reflected onto the Grand Hunter, something Jax intended to remedy somewhat by utilizing his imposing form as a deterrent for those whom may attempt to intimidate the small mate.
Though Sahari was taller than any female in the extended pack, Mama’s stature towering over most any Lilhun she had ever met notwithstanding, Jax stood taller still, making him a reasonable display to insinuate the importance of her position and to ensure that none thought it a mere choice of fancy for the deviant on the part of their alien leader. Pan was the reverse. She stood as the smallest of any member, save for Violet, and her ‘defective’ status made her a prime candidate for others wishing to leverage their physical size in an effort to usurp or otherwise challenge her authority.
Thankfully, assuming she was reading Jax’s posture correctly, Pan didn’t face any less-than-subtle threats from those who have spoken to her. If that was due to a warning from the High Huntress or Jax’s presence was indeterminable, but it eased some of the ex-Grand Huntress’ worries.
“I wonder what his speech will be like?” Harrow pondered absently.
Jax stoked the fire, a mildly contemplative expression showing that he was thinking the same. “I’ve heard a great many. Though i must say, an alien one may prove intriguing.”
“Or he tries to preemptively deny his bed.” Nalah shifted in her seat.
Tel leaned back on her log, tail bracing her weight as she stretched her arms high above her. “I think it will be... interesting.”
Sahari glanced at her. “Care to share?”
Tel grinned impishly as she righted her posture. “It’ll be better if i don’t.”
Jax looked up from the blaze, something towards the building catching his attention. “Our wait ends, it seems.”
Sahari followed his gaze, landing on the Grand Hunter adopting a firm yet relaxed stance, his paws clasped behind his back and feet planted shoulder width apart. Pan stood by his side with paws folded in front of her and using a similar nonplussed expression. A sharp whistle pierced the ears of all present, drawing the regard of those at both fires.
“Just in case you guys need a refresher; I’m Joseph. I’m the one that these fucks,” He released a paw to gesture towards his pack. “Put in charge. I felt the need, based on previous reactions, to give you all a bit of a preamble before you meet the final two participants.”
Several of the High Huntress’ pack shifted in their seating to get a better look at the Grand Hunter, one of which showed a cautious posture. Sahari made note of the carpenter to bring it up later.
Joseph remained unperturbed by the display, through ignorance or mere disregard. “They are called Atmo. They are a large insectoid race, consisting of a horizontal base-slash-thorax of what humans would call a ‘spider’ and an upright portion most similar to another insect we call a ‘mantis’. They have an alternating striped pattern of hard carapace and softer tissue, both coated in a ‘snake skin’ scale pattern. The members of the race that we live with are called Mama, the larger of the two, and Violet, the young one. They are each in possession of two large blades that are every bit as sharp and deadly as they look, the weapons being most of their upright portion in length giving them quite the range once extended by their arms which follow a similar scale.”
Joseph began pacing slightly, a tinge of unease stilled by determination. “They are averse to confrontation as well as violence, choosing to direct their blades towards the production of crafts and art rather than combat by nature.” He paused in his step to glance towards Mi’low’s members. “I have ensured Violet is more than capable of defending herself should reason come to pass.”
The Grand Hunter returned to his initial post. “The reactions of those who have met them have been fearful, if not hostile.” He glared at the new pack, ice slipping into his lilt. “You will be neither.”
The male who seemed cautious shifted closer to a female. Joseph dismissed it with a disinterested glance.
“They have as much right to be here as any of you. More so, even, given that they are the ones who saved my life when i crashed onto this shit hole. I will expect nothing but, at the bare minimum, a polite decorum, though you are free to befriend them.” He smiled. “They like making friends.”
With a nod to his bond, Pan walked to the door to allow the two to enter the area. Mama and Violet were wearing their fluffy winter gear, boots included, as they walked to Joseph’s side. The slight bouncing in the den-kit’s gait brought a smile to the Grand Hunter’s pack, the excitement to meet new people evident in the young one.
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As the two bowed in greeting, the same male gripped a spear he had brought with him, readying his feet to lunge off his log in a defensive manner.
This was not ignored.
Joseph snapped his head to the distressed Lilhun, eyes narrowing on the weapon. Sahari felt the embers of a cold rage as the Grand Hunter sauntered up to the male, crouching to look up at the surprised and still barely seated offender.
“You may have noticed that i have no natural weapons.” He began, his voice frigid and even. “I have no defences nor extraordinary resistances. By all accounts, save for having more strength for my size than your kind would have and a bit more gas in my tank, i am an inferior species.”
The male’s ears flattened as he turned his body to protect the female behind him from the unexpected malice.
“Yet i stand as the upmost authority of this base. Not because i am the most dangerous. Not because i am incredibly intelligent. Not because i have every resource you need to survive this place. No.” Joseph leaned into the male, their faces mere fractions apart, his words menacing through his unwavering stare. “I lead this pack because i will do anything to see it live another day. I will tear them from the grips of your god and bury my enemies in the bones of their compatriots with little more than sheer rage and whatever i can get my hands on. I will fight my way through whatever dares to harm them until the last drop of my blood spills to the soil of whatever graveyard i happened to make that day.”
The male attempted to lean away, his tail curled around himself as he failed to break eye contact. The members too close to Joseph’s display were starting to shy away from the human, the pressure of The Guardian seeping through the confrontation. Pan began snarling, her translation gaining a shockingly vicious edge as her bond maintained the same emotionless gaze.
“That young insect you seemed so keen on bearing a weapon towards? For all intents and purposes, she is my daughter. If you wish to survive the night, i would recommenced that you and everyone else here disregard any notion of harming her.”
The Grand Hunter pressed his forehead into the male’s, the latter refusing to abandon the female’s side. “I have no claws, so it will be slow. I have no ripping teeth, so it will be painful. I have no regard for my own survival if it means ending whatever thought it would be wise to attack her. I will do so to you. Your bones will be used as a weapon to kill those that attempt to repeat the mistake, and theirs? Those who make it again. My pack will follow me and ensure that each of you who get the idea in your head to do anything untoward will be hung from the barracks and the remainder removed of the premises to starve and get picked off by the wildlife. So listen to me closely, because when i draw a line in the sand, i make it bright fucking neon colours. You will not attempt to attack that child. You wouldn’t live long enough to tell if you succeeded.”
Sahari could almost smell the scent of metaphorical urine from the male as Joseph stood back up. “That being said, i approve of your actions. Just not your target.” He offered a paw to steady the male, the strength in the Lilhun’s core failing him as the whiplash of pressure offset him. The Grand Hunter nodded towards the terrified female. “Direct that protective instinct to the pack? You’d do just fine here.”
Joseph returned to the Atmo, clearing his throat before continuing the speech. Mi’low sat frozen, eyes flicking between the male whom seemed far less enthusiastic and the Human she had fought, gears turning in her head as Atrox sported a glittering wonder in his eyes.
“Apologies for the diatribe, the point had to be made. This pack is different, likely because i am different. We don’t typically throw ourselves to the wild in hopes of returning with food. I don’t intend to lay with anyone whom i am not romantically involved. I will treat you as kin as long as you treat me and mine in kind. If you want my support, i will need yours. My goal for this settlement is to improve upon it so that we needn’t struggle for our next meal. Granted, i have some advantages with the base that those who are newer may not have. I will do my utmost to rectify any disparity.”
The Human relaxed, all authority and pressure abandoned. “From what i have learned from my pack; you have had your homes torn from you. Some of you have been torn from your homes. All of you have been sent here on the way to find a new one.”
He gave a sweeping gaze to the cowed crowd. “I find myself in much the same position. I had lost all that i considered my home, left for the stars in hopes for a new one, then ended up here. Those Atmo took me into theirs as they dragged my dying body out of water. When theirs became untenable, i brought them here. I have created a home with the intent to share it with all those who share the ideal; a place for all whom seek it.”
The new pack became a quiet storm of whispering, each discussing the display and the human’s words. Joseph waited patiently for the small time it took for them to realize that he had more to say.
“Over the next however long, assuming you wish to stay, you will get to know us. You are here because your Grand Huntress opted to forgo her title for your sake. She petitioned me to take you under my wing and threw herself into a situation that even the most foolhardy would call suicidal.”
He laughed, the shift in tone captivating the audience. “I know that because it’s exactly the gamble i would have tried if i was so pressed as she was. I hope that you can see yourselves being a part of what i have going on here, because i will accept any of you who can. All that out of the way; This is a little event to show our goodwill and we hope you like some of what we have to offer. If you get curious, our fire is right there, feel free to drop by to chat. We mostly don’t bite and welcome friends with open arms. Please enjoy your night.”
Sahari blinked as Joseph rejoined the pack by the fire, the Atmo choosing to seat themselves between the logs. She glanced at Tel, the cook staring with a sultry half-lidded gaze at the Grand Hunter while idly biting on her claw, tail slowly curling in waves.
“That was...” Harrow stared blankly at Joseph, failing to find the words to complete her opinion.
“Something.” Nalah finished, her expression several shades of impressed.
“Did you need to make the poor male wet his fur?” Jax asked, amused grin plain to see.
Pan giggled as she joined Joseph’s right, him having reclaimed his seat next to Tel. Their Human rubbed the back of his neck, a slight blush of embarrassment reddened his cheeks. “I may have gotten worked up a bit there.”
“But oh, how effective it was.” Tel cooed, her chin resting on her paw as her tail brushed his thigh. Joseph waved her off, but the bond spoke of a complicated set of emotions that Sahari had trouble parsing.
“Minus threatening them wholesale, i think that was okay.” He stated weakly, unsure of himself. “Though it might have gone a bit too far.”
Pan took his paw in hers. “You said what needed to be said. I think it was fine.”
“It is better they learn of your boundaries early, lest they cross them later.” Sahari managed to offer, herself still stunned by the controlled display. For a moment, she would not have been too surprised if the Grand Hunter had used his dagger to bleed the male then and there.
The first member of Mi’low’s pack to gather the courage to join them at their fire was Atrox, the male arriving shortly after they had started roasting their food.
“You said it is fine if i join you?” The artist queried, seeming far more relaxed than anyone expected. Joseph glanced at him, a mild confusion mixed with happiness in the bond contradicting the flat expression.
“Yeah, sure. Pick a seat.” He waved a paw to the few spots on the logs. The male chose a seat near Mama, his gaze flickering over to the otherwise imposing insect. She offered a shallow bow of greeting and, to everyone’s surprise, Atrox returned it.
“May i ask a question?” The Lilhun skewered a few segments of meat on the stick provided.
Joseph gave a curious glance but quickly refocused on his own food over the fire. “Shoot.”
“You spoke of their fondness for the arts. From what I’ve seen in your den, i take it the sculptures are their doing?”
The Grand Hunter looked and felt genuinely pleased, a smile spread as he abandoned caution. “Yeah. Anything ornate that we have was probably done by Mama. Violet had a hand in a few things, but she’s mostly busy helping Pan with her leather and textiles.”
“Can she understand me?” The hopeful expression and gleam in his eye was almost blinding despite the fire that sat between them.
“As well as you can understand whatever Pan’s saying. Though she could be telling you how inadequate i am and I’d never know.” The Human joked, earning himself a snicker from Tel and a frown from his mate.
The artist lit up, instantly disregarding the rest of the pack to inundate Mama with conversation about the medium. Given Mama’s dependence on gestures and clicks, Atrox took over most of the talking. Not that he seemed to mind. Joseph watched the exchange with a perplexed expression until a grin cracked through and laughter poured out. Sahari couldn’t help but be swept up by the atmosphere, joining in with her own chuckle as the Lilhun seemed to be determined to speak at length with someone who worked in a similar field, though some aspects of the topic seemed to deviate towards odd facets.
The next of the pack to join them was the future smith, Heralt. Though he seemed to prefer to soak in the conversation passively, slowly roasting and consuming his ration of meat while answering curtly when addressed. Sahari caught the odd conflicted glance towards the Grand Hunter, but it seemed more curious than anything.
She glanced at the other fire. It seemed that the fire-starter was far from the only person in the High Huntress’ pack to take interest in the alien who, despite admitting his frailty in comparison to them, held no qualms with declaring his intent to send those who crossed his limits to the Void by his own paw. Several were somewhat antagonistic, others were fearful.
One stood out as a somewhat familiar desire simmering behind the eyes of the High Huntress herself, though a look to Joseph showed that he had noticed it by now and was fairly unimpressed by the regard he garnered. A paw patted the dagger at his waist as he judged the intent of the other pack passively.
“I will be right back.” Pan announced, giving the pack a knowing look and breaking from the conversation that Atrox seemed determined to drag Joseph into regarding the aesthetic tastes of his culture. Joseph was trying his best, but it showed through pretty clearly that he could do little more than comment on what he had seen on a surface level and was fairly relieved when his active translator left the conversation. A relief that faded as Nalah found herself being stared at expectantly by the artist to continue, to which she reluctantly abided.
It was only a short while until Pan returned with a bundle wrapped in a familiar golden yellow leaf, a bundle that was held in front of Joseph by her.
“The pack and i would like to present you with the fruits of our labour as gratitude for your repeated efforts in enriching our time here through many efforts of your own. You have given us a den, a leader, our lives, and you have given me that which i was never to have.” The Paw blushed deeply for a moment, taking a pause until she could get over the embarrassment. “You have cared for us as your own kin and, most recently, seen our people in dire straights, only to take them in at risk of your life. Please accept this token as a gift from all of your pack.”
Joseph stared in wonder, his emotions a flurry of indecipherable mixtures. He reached out to accept the package, tenderly unwrapping it to reveal a two part clothing article. Pan saw fit to explain the item.
“It is over-wear of my design, Violet’s fabric, and the other’s time. It is lined with thin ironwood plates, that those on fire-watch tempered and Mama cut to form, between two layers and a separate third ‘mono-deer’ layer that may clasp to the first for insulation in the cold. We hope to offer you protection from that which you have protected us.” She folded her paws behind her back and fidgeted nervously, the bond conveying little as the stunned male parsed the items with wide eyes.
Void-black leather over a lighter shade of fabric. The soft outlines of the hexagonal armour plates showed through the stitching as it populated every bit of the garment under the substantial layers. Joseph stood to don the clothing, its size perfectly adjusted to approximate his form yet allow a slightly looser fit that seemed to be his preference as exhibited by his human clothing.
“Trench coat. It’s a trench coat with a hood.” He muttered in disbelief. He flipped the head covering up, staring at it out of his periphery as if it was an invaluable item. “A fancy hood.”
Anxious without the bond conveying any strong emotion, Pan shrunk into herself as she spoke. “Is it not to your liking?”
The black blur startled the pack as Joseph picked his bond up and embraced her, the two spinning in place. “It’s the most fucking bad-ass thing i have ever gotten.” He laid her to her feet and cupped her face in his paws, drawing her in for a, admittedly passionate, kiss. “Thank you. Thank all of you.” He added as Pan stared into the middle distance.
Sahari chuckled, the genuine tears of joy he displayed fighting their way into her own eyes. A casual wipe with her paw dispelled the moisture. Tel seemed taken aback by the aggressive display of affection, playfully teasing the Grand Hunter.
“I was the one to cut that leather, you know.” She prodded, her tail swaying in usual fashion. She paused, speaking at a level that implied it was more for herself than anyone who might hear. “I also owe you for the cave.”
Joseph, either ignorant to the addition or simply choosing not to comment, approached the grey Lilhun, stopping to gaze upon her seated form warmly.
Tel looked up at him, eyes flitting to get a read on him before he crouched to pull her into a tight hug.
“Thank you, Tel. I feel like I’ve been saying it a lot recently, but i honestly appreciate everything you’ve done for me. Thank you.” Joseph spoke softly, the slight vibration of his voice causing Tel’s ear to twitch.
Sahari watched in no small amusement as Tel seemed to freeze in shock at his words, melting into his touch somewhat before regaining her sense of self and pushing him off with a forced scoff.
The Grand Hunter repeated the treatment, pulling each member into a tight and loving envelopment with directed gratitude. Even Jax got his own small thanks, albeit holding a sarcastic edge and several toothless jabs. The pack laughed as the others were temporarily held hostage, simply held to whim of the emotional leader they have grown close to.
When Nalah’s turn came up, Joseph paused longer than usual, the pack shifting as they recognized the tension.
“Nalah,” He started, crouching but not immediately engaging with the expected activity. “I’m not entirely sure what I’ve done to irritate you. I don’t know if it was something i said or perhaps did without knowing, but i want you to know that you can always come to me with any concerns and I’ll do what i can to fix it. That goes beyond us as well. You have been a great help turning my gibberish into something i can use to talk to people in a way i never could. So whatever i did, I’m sorry, and i hope you can forgive me.”
Nalah stared at him with a grim expression, eventually pulling him in, much to his surprise. Sahari could barely make out the words she whispered into his ear as he returned the contact. “It’s not you. I’m just dealing with some things and i took it out on you. I’m sorry.”
He patted her back, laughing as he did so. “It’s okay. If you ever want to talk, I’m here. Okay?”
The blond-furred planner nodded, releasing the Grand Hunter with a smile, her shoulders lighter for the exchange.
A firm yet polite cough sounded from along side the fire, drawing the pack to the High Huntress whom was patiently waiting for the display to end. “May we have the discussion i requested?”
Joseph glanced at the pack, eyes landing on Pan as he flipped the hood on his coat down. He returned his regard to Mi’low. “Is it required it be a private meeting, or is it okay if we discuss it with them?” He gestured around the fire to the pack. “They’re my family, so if it has anything to do with them, they should be in on this.”
She took a breath, glancing between the members and even returned Mama’s greeting with a short nod. “I suppose it is of no consequence if they are privy to it before or after it has been spoken.”
Joseph returned to his seat between Tel and his mate, Pan shuffling slightly closer as the male braced his arms upon his knees and offered her a seat across from him with a wave of a paw.
Accepting the arrangement, she sat upon the log and waited a moment before speaking, watching for the two of her pack to clear the area after a short dismissal. “You must report the change in leadership of my pack.”
The Grand Hunter cocked and eyebrow. “To whom and why?”
“To answer the second query first; because if the other packs discover my den as cinders then spot mine kin amongst your ranks, they would assume us captured.” She stated dryly. “Though we may not be of allies, we do have a treaty in which you are not included. They would raid this settlement post haste to claim its treasures and people as their own.”
“Putting a pin in that,” The Human asserted with a furrowed brow. “Who, how, and why do i report.”
The red Lilhun exhaled as she adopted an imperial posture, her back straight and paws folded neatly upon her lap. “Ideally, you would report it to Sunundra, her den is of the south. Though i would imagine she would see the opportunity as one in which to eliminate you and claim incursion once she learns of the circumstance. Assuming she does not claim you as a method of entertainment, that is.”
Joseph glanced around the pack, looking for a confirmation or denial of the accusation of character. Unfortunately, none of the pack had met the female and thus had little to offer. With a resigned frown he turned his gaze back to the High Huntress. “And if we don’t want ‘ideal’?”
“Then we must report to the next closest den to the west.” She answered with a nod to accept the insinuation. “I know little of them other than what meagre information is offered by their messenger. Naught but the Grand Hunter’s name and approximate location so as to avoid their territory. As such, i am remiss to say that i can not speculate the results of your visit.”
“I have to physically go there?” He queried, displeasure at the notion of leaving the den evident even without a bond to convey the distaste.
Mi’low maintained a straight face, answering with a controlled lilt and stoic form. “As understanding as i am in your hesitance to leave, i believe it the preferred result for both of us that your den remain unmolested under guise of rescue.” She ignored the curse muttered by Joseph. “The den is eight suns due west.”
“Two weeks!” He all but shouted, quickly covering his mouth and checking to ensure he hadn’t startled any of those from the other fire. Satisfied that the mildly interested members weren’t going to start a riot at his outburst, he continued with an equally stressed but much quieter voice. “You want me to leave here for two weeks and change to tell somebody not to attack me?”
“I wish for you to sacrifice a fraction of your time to ensure that your pack may use the entirety of theirs.” Mi’low replied pointedly. “You must negotiate yourself into the treaty or fall due to it.”
Joseph cursed some more, clutching his paw into a tight fist. “Fuck! Fine! When? How much time do i have? Do i need to go alone? Who the hell am i going to see?”
She held a paw to still his barrage of questions. “Fear not, it is hardly expected that you would do such until the winter passes, though the weather tells me that it is not for much longer. As for your escort; i would recommend fewer than six. Numbers of such and higher bade ill will.”
She paused, taking a breath and recomposing herself. “The male you are to seek goes by ‘Trill’. Not much is known of his pack except for that they are exceptional hunters in their field. Silent as the Void yet twice as potent.”
Sahari caught the frozen tail of Tel as the name was uttered and description given, though it was stiffly resumed as Joseph responded. “Great. So i fuck off for two weeks to visit some ass-hats who have more in common with the wildlife than normal.” He ran a paw through his hair. “So i pick four escorts? I can’t just take over half my pack.”
Mi’low tilted her head. “Four? You may take two. I, unfortunately, am required to be present to communicate my position within your service and will be taking a guard of my own.”
“Two...” Joseph slumped, his head caught between his paws.
“You need not decide now.” She assured him. “I'm sure you would like to complete your next weapon prototype before braving the unknown. ‘Crossbow’, was it?”
He shot a venomous glare at her before softening his gaze. “Right. Counter Intelligence.”
“I will maintain the secrecy of your projects, worry not.”
He ignored the High Huntress, opting to stare at the stars instead. “Guess i should get ready for a field trip before the snow melts. Fan-fucking-tastic.”