Land Down Under (KJDarKnight & Treasure)

Mathias smirked and set about showing her what to look for and showed her how to walk to reduce sound and how to stay upwind and everything. It was a lot to take in but the more times she was told the more she would learn right?

Finally he crouched and pointed, his other finger to his lips.

There, a short ways off there was a burrow, he slowly pulled out his hunting knife and waited
 
Mathias continued to wait until he saw a rabbit climb down into the burrow, he smiled and picked up a handful of dried leaves and pine needles, motioned for her to stay then walked right up to the burrow and pulled the leaves and sticks over the hole and used a flint and his hunting knife to light a spark. He quickly coaxed a fire to life that billowed with pine needle smoke.

It didn't take long to smoke him out, the rabbit came bursting out and he was there to snag it by the ears and stuck the knife into it's throat, quick easy kill, the massive rabbit hanging limp
 
Mathias smiled "next time you can do it yeah?" He asked as they headed back with the kill. They would have to skin it still and prep it to cook but it was a good sized rabbit. Everyone would have plenty for lunch
 
"Sure," Lynna nodded. "I could do that. Although it looks kind of dangerous. What if the fire spread and we ended up burning down like half of the forest?"
 
"Don't let it spread" Mathias said simply. You don't need a raging flame just lots of smoke. Pine needles create lota of smoke and go out quickly" he explained
 
"Badru or myself probably" Mathias answered with a shrug "he's probably the more skilled hunter too"
 
"Well, let's get cleaning and cooking so we can eat!" Lynna said cheerfully. "I'm hungry after all that walking!"

Back at the camp, Gray had finally sat up a little, but he didn't open his eyes. He could feel the sun's rays lurking, but none were hitting him. A respite at last! He knew it couldn't last, but he appreciated what he could get.
 
Justira was sitting close by but still giving him space. "You alright?" Justira asked, keeping her voice quiet, not wanting the others to hear her awkward voice. Of course she only knew it sounded that way because someone had told her.

-

Mathias smiled "we all are" they hadn't gone far so soon rejoined the others
 
Gray turned instantly toward her voice, instinctively seeking the familiar. "I am well, I think," he signed slowly and awkwardly. It felt strange to sign without seeing his hands even out of his periphery vision.

Badru left Pepper's side and walked over to Mathis. "Rabbit?" he questioned.
 
Justira wasn't convinced but didn't argue "it may be over sooner if someone carried you" she knew just as well as the others they were moving too slow and she was worried about him

"Lunch" he nodded and held it up "we can male a quick soup" he reasoned. They had vegetables and a stream nearby they could get water
 
Gray dropped his head. After a moment, he signed, "Perhaps it would be better to leave me behind. I will slow everyone down and threaten your safety." It was not lightly offered, and he knew she would not be happy with him, but it was a thought he'd had since they'd left Desolation. Was his singular life worth risking everyone for?

Badru frowned. "This will take much time," he said severely, but he took the rabbit and drew his knife to clean it. He knew Mathias meant well by trying to get everyone fed in a healthy manner, but at this rate, they would only have an hour of travel left before stopping for dinner and the night!
 
"We don't have a choice " Mathias said "we'll move faster tomorrow and make up the time"

Justira frowned "if you stay behind I do too. I lost Faelar I'm not losing you too. Understand?" Her heart couldn't take another blow like that
 
Gray didn't try to argue with her. He didn't have the energy, and he knew she wouldn't listen. Mathias wouldn't be much better in his current state of mind/ Perhaps he would speak to Pepper if he got the chance. Badru would be a good choice - Badru still didn't like him - but Badru didn't understand sign.

Badru grunted in agreement and started cleaning it, his knife fast and sure. The rabbit was skinned in a matter of seconds, the entire pelt coming off whole with only one incision.
 
"Gray..." she said "I need you..please promise me you won't leave" Justira said, scared he would try and do just that

Charlie got to work quickly cutting up the vegetables while Mathias got the water
 
'I could not hurt you," Gray signed. But which would hurt worse? Staying or going? Either way would cause her pain in some way. But perhaps this was better. Then again... oh, he didn't know. He couldn't think straight!

It wasn't long before Badru had the chopped rabbit in the water and stewing merrily, adding the vegetables and herbs as needed. Then he sat back and let Charlie take over, nodding approvingly at his work.
 
She relaxed a little "thank you.." she didn't ask for much really, more of a giver but this one time she just needed this.

Charlie seemed pleased with himself too as he sat back now to let it cook "so..where are we going Badru?"
 
"There is safe place ahead," Badru explained. "Feared by many. Believe is..." He tried to find the word. "Angry souls stay there. Punish silly people. Is not true, but enough believe to leave it alone."

"Haunted?" Lynna suggested curiously. "Now that'll be interesting!"
 
Back
Top