Thread: The Diverted Path (DareToDream & Hahvy)

He watched her with bemusement as each piece of jerky was slowly and methodically devoured until there wasnt a single scrap left. If she had licked her fingers clean right then, he wouldnt have been surprised in the least, but he didnt mention it. Clearly shed been very hungry and having experienced that a time or two himself, he could completely understand devouring what you had available as if it would be your last. Thinking about food made his own stomach rumble quietly but he ignored it and slowly stretched, working out some of the kinks in his muscles. When she spoke, his head snapped up instantly and his jaw dropped just a tiny bit, amazed that she was on her feet and apparently fully prepared to head back to his cottage that night. Staring at her, his eyes suddenly narrowed at the mention of the wolves and he wondered how she could possibly know that. A high born lass from another country having those kinds of details about his mountains? Something smelly fish to him but he couldnt quite put his finger on it. Standing with her, he picked up the pack and slipped it over his shoulder then faced her. You are right about the wolves he said, pitching his voice to be heard over the crackling of the fire but dont worry too much about them. I have ways of keeping them off our trail. Reaching into his bag, he pulled out a metal tin and gave it a shake, letting her hear the movement of something inside. Ground cayenne pepper he said with a grin. Sprinkle a little along the trail as we walk and it messes up their noses something fierce. And if that fails to fool one or two of them, theres always this he added, patting the end of his bow. He bent then, scooping dirt over their fire, snuffing it out slowly as the shadows from the dying flames danced crazily along the stones of the fire ring. Movement caught his eye and he glanced up to see her returning from the waters edge with a large stick in her hand. Nodding to her questions, he smiled. Well head out now. As for food, all I have is some bread and cheese. Slipping the pack off his shoulder again, he dug through it and handed her a small hunk of bread and a small ball of cheese. Thats all I have but if you dont mind berries I know of a patch well pass on the way. Youll be able to fill up on them too. Settling the pack again, he moved up beside her and looked her over once, then twice. She seemed shaky on her feet but with the stick and her hard headed stubbornness, she should be able to keep up, especially if he kept to the better kept trails. Of course, those were also the same trails the wolves would hunt on but he was prepared for that. It will be a hard hike he said, his voice quiet but sure. If you need help, dont be too stubborn to ask for it. Ill be right there with you. He grinned as he spoke, letting the smile lessen the sting of his words. Truly he had never met a person more stubborn then himself but it was clear that he had met his match with her. Instead of being turned off by that though, he found himself intrigued.by everything about her hed seen so far. That alone was enough to give him pause but he shook it off and turned, heading for the forest, keeping his pace slow so she could keep up.