Thread: The Heart of the World -[Haru::Ironic]-

Amarok watched as Zara lowered herself to the ground and then tried to get up, his hands ready to catch her if need be, but she never even got up far enough to truly fall. When she admitted that she needed assistance he knew that was a blow to her pride and he made no comment as he bent to scoop her up into his arms. Walking over to the buck that had been felled he bent and let her grab her bow, loathe to leave it behind. Pulling her close to him, Amarok wanted to make her feel safe and protected in his arms, unassailable by the worries of the world. It was just an unfortunate turn of events and he wasn't sure how deeply it had affected her until she started to weep softly into his fur. Her body shook softly, and Amarok found himself momentarily at a loss. It was very short lived though, as the soft heart of the wolf soon came to the fore. he was a killer, there was no doubt about it, but very few people, save for Jaerth, had taken the time to really get to know him, avoiding him due to reputation only, and in truth such shortsightedness hurt the wolf's feelings. Though he would never admit it, or even let it show. Yet there was something about this slight female in his arms, relying upon him, that tugged at something deep within him, and Amarok slowed his pace as they got back to camp. Moving to the lean-to he settled inside of it, cradling Zara against his chest and on his lap, one hand rubbing along her back in what could only be described as a comforting manner. It will be ok Zara. You know I am right here at your side, and you can rely on me. he assured her. That was the only commitment he could make, and though he was attracted to her in a physical way, Amarok dared not promise himself in any other way. Besides, she'd never have him. He'd figured that out long ago, and had resigned himself to that fact. I need to go back and field dress that buck and get the carcass back here. I'll be right back, but you have your bow. he told her, hoping that was a comfort. Unable to help hhimself he gently set her down and brought one hand up to cup her cheek a moment, the pad of his thumb rubbing softly beneath her eye as he looked at her with more than mere compassion. No, there was something else there, and he wasn't trying to hide it. Withdrawing his hand he stood and he was off at a lope, covering ground at an easy pace. The buck was just where they had left it, and he drew out his hunting knife, slitting the beast open and removing the gutbag and leaving the innards out so they could be scavenged. Soon the buck was ready and Amarok hoisted it up, trying to keep from getting too much blood on himself since they'd strayed from the lake now, and with the buck now dressed it hardly weighed more than Zara herself. carrying it easily he made his way back to the camp, having been gone about thirty to forty minutes. I'm back! he called out to announce his presence and then came into view, using several of the leftover tent poles and the lean-to so he could hang the deer and let it bleed a bit and he began to skin it and carve meat from it. Saving some of the more tender parts for Zara, he used just a little salt and pepper for the venison steak, getting the cast iron pan hot over the fire and setting the steak in it to sizzle and start to char a bit. Only then did he turn to Zara. That protein will help you heal. So what else do you need from me? Just let me know and I can gather things for you. Amarok said, showing his willingness to do as she said, unwavering. The venison would not take long to cook, and he'd carved a nice thick two inch steak, so several minutes per side and he would be able to put it on the flat steel plate before serving it to Zara.