Take a Break

The finishing touches of tinder were laid to rest beneath the small cauldron by slender, sooty hands. Ready to be lit, the campfire would provide a small flame for dinner and warmth through the night for what Ezra hoped would be a good night's rest. They'd been traveling non-stop now, searching tirelessly through the peninsula for any sign that Fiora might be there. Alas, it came to no avail and Ezra found that he'd have to put his search of the outreach to a stop. There were only so many places that she could be here, and if she wasn't? Well, he'd have to make better work on the mainland. The uneasy feeling that the flowers that plagued the coastline and the stories that followed their short existence there possibly taking Fiora churned in his stomach.

Turning to rid his mind of the foul thought, he pulled the flint from the cart and made his way back to the dry wood beneath the pot. A couple of hard strikes and sparks later, Ezra began nursing the first flames of what would be his dinner flame.

The draft horses nipped and preened one another while Bygul took a bath on the cover of the cart, one long, white leg high in the air as he cleaned it. Ezra moved back to sit on a felled trunk backed by a tall standing tree and leaned his head back to take a few restful breaths. Once the fire warmed the pot, he could add the water and start cutting the rabbit and a add a few things for flavor. It looked like all they had on hand was some potatoes and rice, but that would do just fine. He'd have to make another trip to Amherst for ration replenishment, especially due to the fact that hunting wasn't particularly easy with two horses and a car full of goods. He was lucky to have Bygul, who did his best to bring home birds and rodents that always were added to the pot.

It wasn't long until the heavy scent of a good stew lingered in the breeze,” It smells great, Bygul, my friend,” He grinned at the cat who dropped down from the cart with the smell in the air. He wanted to make sure that he wasn't forgotten about when the time came to hand out the bowls.

Her mind was plagued. Thoughts of self-hatred and loathing were fighting every attempt she would make to make herself feel better. This was one of her bad days, maybe a good meal would make the difference. She rubbed her temples in frustration but trudged onward through the undergrowth, trying to avoid the thoughts encircling her brain. The fresh venison on her shoulders would go bad soon if she didn't eat it, but she was not hungry. Having caught the doe was a stroke of luck for her, but never the less one that would be fruitless if she didn't find a good campsite and smoke it.

The sharp scent of smoke woke her senses. The green-eyed female changed direction, maybe the one tending to the fire would be accommodating. Hopefully. She wasn't much to be hopeful about it, especially in her state of mind. Crouching low, the coal-colored wolf trekked closer and saw the dancing flames through the brambles and lush grasses. The grumble of a horse caught her attention and she noticed the great draft horses, a cart, and a male. The male had just been talking, but she could not make out what he had said. The smell of soup drifted towards her, her stomach grumbled. A cat nearby warmed her hear. She stepped into the sight of the traveler and gave a weak smile.

In the light of the campfire, her fur exposed pale marks beneath and her scarred face. Her emerald eyes were expressionless but she smiled, two wooden hoops dangled from the bottom of her torn ears and colorful beads hung from the thin strands of her dark hair, framing her face and covering one side where a scar across her eye was left unseen. The bow and quiver across her back and chest shifted as great filets of venison were heaved off her shoulders. She dropped them near the fire.

"I hope y' don't mind if I use your fire when you're done making your soup?" Her voice was calm and smooth but hid the fear boiling within her at the sight of the male. The roll of her tongue indicated the fading Russian accent she never seemed to shake. "I gotta smoke this before it goes bad,"
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Sorry for the late post ^^' excuse my rambling

Willowy hands danced with warm light as the sound of a hot meal poured into a smaller bowl. A heavy plop of meat followed as he made sure to give Bygul the best for his efforts and the gentle jingle of the metal spoon falling to rest against the side of the cauldron was the last noise to exit a camp of two. Footsteps approached and as instinct Bygul darted to the cart. Ezra's eyes followed him with an apologetic gaze before finally resting on the shadow who had presented herself.

He took her in for a moment, a bit of a narrowed gaze to break the darkness and grab her features. There was a smile on her face, but her eyes spoke a very different story. A grin as soft and warm as the fire's glow met her, his own marbled eyes kind and patient,” Good evening, my friend,” There was a security in his words as he followed up her explanation of why she was here,” Wait there,” The expression was a patient one and certainly welcoming, but the slender dogman moved toward the cart and slipped the bowl beneath it's canvas. Messing around a bit within the cart, he soon found his hand with another empty bowl in it.

Returning to meet her, giving her the space she might desire, he offered her a small chuckle at the expense of the frightened cat and lifted his arm out, his fingers gesturing toward the flame,” You certainly may. It will burn until morning, so you are certainly welcome here,” With that, he moved toward the fire and grabbed a small cloth that once rested against the earth,” You are just in time, too,” Another chuckle masked the cricket din,” It has just finished,” His tune, smooth like velvet, but as serene as the breeze that lapped at the treetops, followed the cauldron from the flame and he rested it's bottom in the dirt.

“Now, be my guest,” A short bow was offered to the woman with the space now prepared for her to smoke her goods,” When you are done, if you are hungry, we have enough here to warm you from the inside,” Lifting the last two bowls in his hand for her attention to grab, though he'd hold onto them while her hands were full of her chef work. While she did as she chose within this time, Ezra made himself a bowl and moved back a bit from the flame to let her work. His back was against his old resting spot against the tree, and the white of his hands brushed the ebon locks aside his face as he took his first bite. There was a strange politeness to him. One that spoke of a lack of feral upbringing. Something more blue-blooded, without all the snooty creed,” Ah, and I've forgotten! My name is Ezra Vahn. It's a pleasure to meet you,” Finishing off with a dip of his brow, he crossed his legs while cradling the steaming stew, as the wooden frithr rested against his chest..

Khyren relaxed further with his warm smile and kind eyes. He seemed genuinely welcoming, but it did not ease the fear he may turn face at any moment. She crouched above her meat as he left in turn telling her to stay where she was. In case he was to grab a weapon of some sort, she grasped her ankle, where her knife was sheathed, and curled her fingers around it's handle. When he grabbed another empty bowl from the cart, she released her hand from the knife. Cursing herself in her mind for considering attacking him, when it all seemed his intentions were pure as he offered her soup. Her smile became genuine, and she found herself sitting in the space prepared for her with her venison in hand. "Thank you," She said softly with genuine gratitude and began to prepare her meat.

Letting down her guard slightly, she set down her bow and quiver a little ways from the fire and went to get green branch off a nearby tree for smoking. Cutting two off with her knife, she brought them to the fire and set up the meat for smoking. The dark woman only had three slabs of meat left from her doe she had not already eaten: two thighs and a slab from the neck of the doe. The pelt she had a well, she would take care of it later. Slicing the meat unto strips, she placed them across the shafts of the sticks which she had cut off any small branches before doing so. She need not any spices, only the natural flavor that woild come from the fat and the smoke. She woild slowly smoke them overnight, they would last maybe two weeks after that. If she had a smoke shed like her father once had, she could smoke the meat for a week and it would last all season before going bad. She used smaller sticks she sharpened to pin the meat in place while it smoked and dug a hole in the ground to prop the sticks in. It would be high enough above and to the side of the fire not to burn the meat nor cook it to fast. It was quite a shabby set up, but it would work.

During this preparation, she kept looking to and from Ezra with quick glances, keeping tabs on his movements. He was very polite and quite accommodating, quite unusual of many people she had met while travelling. Earlier that week she had already had a similar experience though with a coyote woman who was also oddly kind to her. Seemed the world wasn't as dark as she had always seen it.

Kotori, her horned owl companion, glided silently from the trees and landed on her shoulder haphazardly; flapping his wings and fluffing out his feathers, his huge hazel eyes stared at Ezra maleviolently. He hissed. Khyren just pet him slightly on the chest with a few fingers and gave him a small slice of meat. He took it in his beak and hopped off her shoulder on the ground where he pinned the piece of meat in his talons and began tearing it into smaller pieces. "Don't mind him," The scarred woman said exasperation. Seemed she always had to say something along those lines when introducing her bipolar companion. "He won't attack your cat either. Won't do anything without my permission. He's a bit of a brat sometimes though." She glanced towards Ezra and back at Kotori and mused silently to herself. "His name is Kotori. You can call me Khyren." She added, beginning to feel a little bit more comfortable in the presence of the male.

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600+ :3

Marbled eyes watched as she worked, diligent hands and a certain mind means that she had done this before. Well, smoking meat was something Ezra had never thought of. He'd had it before and recalled the long shelf life, but at the cost of only hunting small came, there really wasn't much reason for it. Perhaps, if he could get a larger animal down, it would be well worth it. After all, every night had a fire if he could manage it. He found he had met more delightfuls than unsavories in the long run, and it was worth the interaction. Sure, he met people while trading, but as of late, there wasn't much more to his life than that. Searching and trading, and through most of it? He was alone Of course, Bygul was great to have around and the horses were friends he wouldn't trade for the world, but he needed a little of his own kind every now and again. He was surrounded so much in Vinatta. The abrupt change wasn't doing his dampened mood any better.

One thing he had made note of was her wandering eyes. While she knew her task well, it was clear that she didn't trust Ezra much. Of course, this was the wilds. Neutral territory. There wasn't reason to trust out here and he wasn't going to press the woman to open up. A wall for security did more good than harm out here. He would, however, do what he could to make her feel at home here. If she wanted to spend the night, she was welcome and he'd keep an eye out for her. The trader didn't sleep well most nights, anyway.

Before he could speak anything else to the woman, a bird of grand span dropped from the fire-lit canopy and dropped to the woman without hesitation. His eyes lit up at the animal's entrance,” Magnificent!” He couldn't help but say quietly to her, as not to frighten the bird. Though, it didn't seem the creature had much to be frightened of. With a glare and an awful noise, the owl let him know easily what he was about,” Alright, alright,” The dog laughed at the furious feathered hunter and did his best to pay him little mind as he ate his meal. She commented on the bird's antics, which won a smile from the poet that took his last mouthful from the bowl. Beady eyes peered from under the canvas on the cart at her mention of anything attacking a cat before they disappeared again, but her assurance were given a nod and a thankful expression from her canine company. He couldn't lose Bygul over a bird, and he'd hate to have to kill a pet to ensure that happened. Anything like that wouldn't make either of their days better and if, no, when he found Fiora, she would be heartbroken if Bygul had been taken from her.

“Well, Lady Khyren, It is a fine night to meet a new friend,” He nodded,” Though, I do hope that Kotori turns around. He is a handsome thing,” A humorous grin was offered the bird one last time before his attention fell on the scarred woman that cast a dancing shadow against the moonlit earth,” What brings you here, my friend? I mean through the area, of course,” Gesturing toward the meat that hung over the fire, it was clear what brought her to his camp. If he could get to know a little more about her, well he'd exchange the favor, but he could also make an attempt to do what he could for her. He was a merchant, so if she needed anything, he might have it in stock as well. Know your customer, and all that. More importantly, if she was having a sour day, or a sour life, he found himself wanting to do something to cheer the woman up. It was just his nature to do so.

Khyren mused at Ezras fondness of Kotori. She would not say he was magnificent in any way or sort. Though, he did have quite the personality, true to his being, something she quite admired despite the owls harshness towards others at times. Kotori himself had worked the venison into pieces and eaten it without much hesitation. He was far from famished but ate like a starved man. Khyren sat back and leaned on her elbows looking into the fire. "'Magnificent' more like maleficant," She joked fondly. Kotori hopped back over to her, his mangled wing in the air to keep it from dragging. It was not much use of anything other then gliding anymore, but was not the reason the pair were so tight and their presence one of quiet compromise and loyalty. Maybe not so quiet from the horned owl as he hissed one more time before hopping into the large wolfess's chest and clamoring to her shoulders where he roosted himself. "Hmm. Figure he will never change. It wouldn't be so bad." She scratched the birds neck fondly and his eyes narrowed in contentment.

Khyren took a moment to just breath in the moment. This distraction was good enough to keep her mind off things. Gazing up from the dancing flames and smoking meat, the dark woman looked up to the stars. ...fine night to meet a new friend. Ezra had said. "It is," She agreed courtly with a smile. Her emerald gaze focused back on the dog-man. "I'm heading towards Casa Di Cavalieri," Khyren answered him flatly but unintentionally so. "Hoping to see a friend there..." The woman trailed off slightly as she readjusted her sitting position to a more ridged posture while all the same preventing her from reminising on the reasons for her returning to these territories. Changing the subject, she redirected the question back as the other loner. "How about you? Are you a trader?" She pointed to the chart, assuming his trade of being, well, a trader. "Or are you just passing through?" Stomach grumbling, Khyren reached for the bowl given to her, not without confirmation from the trader. His polite and kind nature she confirmed to be quite genuine for the time being and could not resist some good food.
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WC: 400+

The poet couldn't help but laugh as she teased her bird, and the bird didn't mind so much at it was tease, but still hissed at his present company. It only added more humor to Khyren's words and Ezra couldn't help but shake his head at the whole thing. They certainly knew each other well enough, and it was delightful to see a cooperative companion. Bygul? Well, Ezra knew he loved him but their situation was unique. Ezra was no Fiora,” Well, he looks the sort to keep you safe, and he looks like he loves you. That's very important,” Ezra nodded to her comment of the bird changing. Sure, there were bits of personality of everyone that weren't liked by all, but variety is the spice of life! With differences, where was the joy of living?

Khyren went on to openly express her reasons for crossing his path and the poet nodded with a warm-hearted grin,” I've just recently been. It seems the pack is doing very well for itself,” He added, hopefully to dispel any of the worries that she might have about showing up there. It did come as bit of a surprise to him that she would ask him what of him next, though it truly shouldn't have. Raised brows and a tilted crown were given to her question, but that grin still stayed,” A merchant of sorts, yes, but just passing through. I have no claim,” As he spoke, slender hands slipped to the frithr on his chest, lifting it by the cord to show it to her,” I was of Vinatta, but I haven't found a place that quite matches the magic of home,” Of course, the merchant spoke as if Vinatta's disbanding was common knowledge. There was always the chance that it wasn't, but the man truly wasn't so ready to explain. Too much pain trickled from that closed door still for him to readily speak of it to anyone save a ex-Vinattan.

Eyes caught as she moved toward the bowl, to which he replied quietly to with a close-eyed smile. He was happy that his small meal could be shared, even though they should keep the scraps for themselves. The man delighted in making others happy, even if he wasn't so much in the position to do so anymore. There wasn't much else he had the ability to as Ezra, and old habits from the sea wouldn't let him free if he chose to utilize them here,” There are some decorative items in there, some useful things. I make paper, myself, alongside scavenging for goods left to the wayside. I do my best to live an honest life,” Glancing to the cart, he sought the glowing eyes of the cat, but found none. Bygul must be sleeping, or could have crawled off somewhere to be alone. The cat didn't much like strangers.

Khyren didnt have much manors when it came to a meal. And frankly, she didn't care much for table manors or knew much about them. It wouldn't bother her if someone else ate messily, it's food, as long as they weren't wasting it. She ate her meal in peace and just listened to Ezra's story of himself while Kotori roosted on her shoulder. Her gaze remained on her meat smoking over the fire or on the flames. They danced in the reflection on her emerald green eyes. As she ate near expressionless. She was listening, but didn't make to much of an effort to make that known. She was more herself and didn't put on a face when the spot light was no longer on her to speak. Formalities asside, she only wished to be content with being in each others presence. Grunting slightly once he was done speaking, the large female adjusted a slice of meat she had concluded to be a bit off from the rest.

Inside she was happy, happy that her old pack was doing well. If they let Ezra be there then she defiantly trusted him now, even if just a little, more then before as she trusted the Lune's judgment of chatecter. She fantasized about going back, a better scenario then what would be likely. One where she lived happily ever after within Casa's walls.

Having heard vaguely of Vinattas disbanding but nothing more, it must have been hard for Ezra. He seemed like a capable man, he could take care of himself--pack or not. She thought about reassuring him on that there will always be somewhere for him to go, but it would soil her image of him as she would be looking down on the fact that he might be weak and needing a pack to sustain himself if she said so.

Looking upon his frithr, she admired it silently. If he made it himself, it was quite good craftsmanship. She glanced at him and then back to the frithr. "Nice piece," She commented. "You are a good craftsman." The woman nodded towards the cart where Ezra had said he had made some paper himself. She had no idea how to make paper. How could something as sturdy as wood become so thin and flexible? Not to mention used to write on and record things. She took note to learn more on how to read, as she only had limited knowledge of English.
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WC= 400+

As he spoke, she ate and did so without much distraction. Her eyes were on her food as it smoked and her face remained unchanging. It didn't sway Ezra's friendliness to her, as he knew every soul had their way, some far more serious than others, and some suppressing hard times and the pain of memory. He wasn't omit to this category, of course, but he did do his best to remain chipper in the face of company, as was his new way. It made him a happier chap to be around, which made those around him happier sometimes. It was a giving circle and, usually, he'd receive what he gave in. In that thought, it was well worth the kindness. Who knows if she'd ever repay him, but in her feeling more comfortable with his company, that was enough.

As the woman complimented the Frithr's construction, Ezra wasn't one to take the credit where it wasn't due. He chuckled lightly,” I will pass the word on to the soul that made this for me,” He wasn't in the market for making Khyren embarrassed for assuming incorrectly, but he could take praise for the Vinattan who'd made it. With that, however, he did want to show her something that he had made. Rising from his place,” One moment,” Slipped from his maw as he made way to the cart once again. Lifting the canvas, he spotted and offered a pet to Bygul who was irritated with the company but who had managed to finish his food. From there, his eyes caught the little army of wooden horses he'd carved. Almost one every single night, it seemed.

Returning to Khyren, he leaned over slightly and allowed his arm to stretch in the space between them, so as not to encroach on her circle of comfort,” Here,” He unfurled his hand to show the full craft of the horse,” I make these when I get a little too lost in thought,” He admitted. Now, it wasn't anything of great use or with reason to make, nor did his save him any work when it came to survival without a pack, but it did pass the time. Each of these horses, made with memory and patience, meant something to him. They didn't trade for much, and it wasn't worth any gemstone by any means, but it was created with countless hours of near perfectionist attention,” What do you think?”

[[Wooden Horse - If you're curious as to what the horses look like. XD]]

The coal pelted woman's attention was now on Ezra. His friendliness unchanging, it seemed, he was determined to be a good host to her as she smoked her venison. Khyren felt suspicious of this but tried not to be, she wanted to enjoy being in his company for all it was. His chuckle and soft manner was quite interesting, a different chatecter then anyone else she had ever met. His atmosphere was one of a Celtic dancer, calm yet gleeful, strong yet elegant. It was a puzzle in the wolfess's eyes.

By no means was she comfortable with his approach when he handed out the small wooden figurines. She visibly tensed, but relaxed once her green gaze fell upon that of the horses. Her head tilted slightly in curiosity and took one of them into her hands with hesitation. Gently she held the small wooden horse. She inspected it, and smiled. Kotori couldn't be bothered as he was dozing off on her shoulder at the time. "These are cute," She commented. "I like them. How many did you make?" The woman inquired, not looking up from the small figurine in her hands.

Setting the small horse on a level piece of ground, it stood valiantly in the light of the fire as she went back to her stew. Determined, she finished it off the bowl and set it aside. "Where do you want me to put this?" She motioned towards her empty bowl. She didn't want to feel like any sort of burden to this male, and make use of herself at least giving back in someway for the good meal. An idea popped into her mind of how to do so. "Would you like some of my venison once it's done? I will have plenty for my self, I wouldn't mind." Kotori would though, when it came that they ran out he would be a bratt about it no doubt.
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:3 WC= 300+