Sirus found himself consciously forcing himself to act confident, the sense of leadership and authority that the tent gave off reminding him of.. less pleasant things. As warm as it might seem to Gwen, it was intimidating and even triggering for Sirus, who had stayed a few steps behind Gwen, intending to follow her, but not wanting to intrude.
The familiar form of the chief’s grandson opened the tent and ushered the two in. The Chief was sitting down facing the entrance with the fire in front of him. Gwen bowed her head slightly in respect out of old habit before kneeling on the ground.
Sirus shifted back before he entered out of respect, copying her example with his own air of self-independence, though part of it was completely forced. Though he'd also gotten quite good at forcing it, and so it didn't show unless you really knew what to look for. Silently he waited for Gwen to speak.
“I’m glad to see you both alright.” the Chief spoke first. “The healer told me that you were in a fight and Corbin was injured.”
Gwen nodded slowly, not surprised that the healer had already told him. “Yes, sir. A team of bounty hunters who were after me attacked us.” she confirmed handing him the contract. “The King seems desperate to get me back.”
Sirus kept a passive expression at the Chief's brief expression of concern for his wellbeing, confused as to why the chief would concern himself over a shifter who didn't belong to his tribe. But besides that, he was focused on what they were saying, offering a nod of agreement in confirmation of Gwen's words.
The Chief frowned a little as he read the paper but nodded briefly for them to continue.
“Sirus and I believe that more bounty hunters will keep coming until one of them gets the reward.” Gwen explained, her voice shaking slightly at the thought. “It… It may not be safe for me to stay with the Tribe. My presence here puts everyone in danger.”
Sirus nodded again, supporting her words but still staying silent, and also ignoring the ache from the burns he'd suffered earlier, the icy chill of the shadows under his shirt not helping much anymore.
“If one member of our tribe is threatened, we all fight.” the grandson said firmly and a little angrily as he clenched his hand.
The chief shook his head at his younger heir. “That is true but if Gwendolyn wants to leave, we will not interfere.” he said calmly.
Gwen nodded a little, grateful for the Chief's assurance. “I know it is not traditional but… with your permission, I would like to leave to begin my warrior’s trial.” she explained. “While I am gone, anyone looking for me should pass the tribe by when they realize I'm not here and continue their search elsewhere.”
Sirus internally relaxed at the Chief's calmer disposition, thankful that he seemed to be open to Gwen's plan… Now if they could just get past the issue of Corbin's injury. Then maybe everything would turn out okay, maybe… At least it would for Gwendolyn.
The Chief laughed lightly. “Young huntress, very little of your time with us has been traditional.” he reminded her. “However with your mentor injured, you realize he can not go with you.”
Gwen nodded again. “I know. But if I wait for Corbin to heal… Someone else may arrive and hurt more people.”
“Grandfather, you know I am a strong warrior. Perhaps I could guide Gwen on her trial.”
The Chief nodded slowly, almost thoughtfully, at his grandson’s suggestion. “You could… If you would retrieve the map.” he replied though he was looking at Sirus.
Sirus noticed his gaze, and acknowledged it with an imperceptible nod, it seemed the CHief was on the same page as he was. Though he wasn't against the Chief's grandson intervening… He could only wait to see how this played out.
The grandson stood at the request and walked towards a small chest.
Gwen was actually a little concerned about the suggestion. She had no issue with the Chief’s grandson and knew he was very skilled as both a warrior and a hunter… but the idea didn't seem to sit well with her.
The Chief smiled slightly at Sirus’s acknowledgment as his young relative handed out a rolled parchment and sat down. “Tell me, are you too a warrior?” he asked Sirus.
"Of a sort.." responded Sirus, his voice quiet. "Though more by necessity than choice." he kept one eye on the chief's Grandson as he moved across the room out of habit, but most of his attention was on the Chief, not seeming to notice Gwen's concern.
The Chief raised a brow slightly at the answer but gave a small nod. “My boy.” he said, addressing his grandson. “It is true that you are talented in hunting and a skilled warrior… But I do not believe you accompanying Gwendolyn would be a good match.”
Sirus ignored the raised brow, not wanting to explain unless he was asked directly, and not in front of Gwendolyn. It wasn't that he had anything against her… it was just. It was just that she's the type of person who would want to do something about his situation, or try to make it better. And he had learned long ago that nothing could ever truly do that.
Gwen immediately perked up at the Chief’s decision but stayed quiet.
“But grandfather…”
“I will need you here, should more bounty hunters come. You will need to show me you can lead and lead well.” he explained calmly before turning back to Gwen and Sirus. “You will be able to leave in the morning. Sirus, you will go with Gwen and guide and protect her.”
Sirus nodded, seeming agreeable with this and completely unruffled, despite not really being a part of the tribe… or at least, that's what he thought. Honestly with how much he'd been hanging around for the last 24 hours? He may as well be a tribesman already.
Gwen and the chief’s grandson were surprised by the choice, though Gwen was smiling a little. Even though they haven't known each other for very long, Sirus had saved her and Corbin and proven he was a capable fighter, so she had nothing to object to.
The grandson however seemed to have something to say… but the Chief cut him off before he got a chance. “I wish you both a safe journey and return when the time is right. For now, return home and prepare for the morning.”
“Thank you, Chief.” Gwen bowed her head slightly as she accepted the map and the contract. It would be better if the tribe appeared to have no knowledge of the missing princess or the reward.
Sirus noted the Grandson's attempt to speak on this but didn't do anything about it since the chief had it handled. And with that, he was rising to his feet with Gwen and offering a nod of respect to the chief before following her outside. Once they were outside, he let out a long breath of air, "That was more or less what I meant earlier.." he said softly.
As she stepped outside, Gwen was a mix of surprise, nerves, and excitement. She almost couldn't believe that the Chief had agreed to their plans and had picked Sirus to accompany her… Honestly, she had been almost hoping he would. She turned to face her friend once she realized he had spoken. “What you… Oh. You wanted to come with me? Even if he chose someone else?” she asked just to clarify.
"Maybe.." said Sirus, his tone quiet as the word left his lips, "Either way, I want to help you out with your situation, I know bounty hunters, and I know how to stay low. I can help you do that." he looked over at her, "Is there anything you need to do or should we plan how we're going to do this?"
Gwen smiled a little, grateful for his offered help. “I have no doubt of that. And I wouldn't be surprised if the Chief knew that too but I'm glad you are going with me.” she said sincerely. “Well, I need to tell Rhes about this, hopefully Corbin will be there too. I’ll also need to pack a few things but that can probably wait for before we leave.” she told him already going through the brief list.
Sirus nodded, "Of course," he said softly, nodding along with her plan, "And yes, packing can wait till before we leave." he hummed a bit, already thinking about what he'd need to pick up in the next town to be fully prepared.
Gwen nodded a little and started leading to Corbin’s family tent. She would have to rely on Sirus for any information about towns or other settlements on their way. Since she would be most likely be using the map for the most part on where they were supposed to go and where to go to return. The Chief would most definitely be moving the tribe sometime soon after they left.
Sirus was happy to lend the intel, knowing it would be his strong point as long as Gwen could tell him where they needed to go, he could probably get them there, alive.
Gwen let out a slow breath, trying to calm down as they walked. This would be her last time seeing this little village for probably a month or two… Depending on the travel and what they were meant to bring back. Hopefully, that would be long enough for the tribe to no longer be in danger.
Sirus trailed along beside her, shifting because it was more comfortable for his injuries. Silently he wondered what it must be like for Gwen, leaving someplace where people liked her and cared about her. Where she cared about the people there.
Gwen was shifting the two papers from one hand to the other, trying not to damage either. She had known that she would have to leave for her trial for quite some time, ever since she chose this… but now she felt more like a thief in the night rather than a proud fighter. Perhaps some of her agitation came from the fact that Corbin wouldn't be going with her… but she wasn't going to complain about her new partner.
Sirus knew this was probably difficult for her, going off alone on some quest with someone she barely knew, leaving her friends and her mentor behind. But at least she was still doing it by choice, not out of need
Gwen let out another slow breath as they approached Corbin and Rhes’s tent. Corbin was a smart man and Gwen would be surprised if he didn't already come to the same conclusion that she and Sirus had by now. Though the thought of leaving was still heavy in her heart.