Linda
*Terrel would be gradually making his way through the forest. Only his wolf, Floof accompanying him as he had left the others back at camp while he scoped out the area. As he made his way through the forest, Floof would suddenly let out a quiet bark to get his attention, looking off to the side to see a woman hunched over what looked to be another wolf of sorts. Floof would look up towards his owner as if asking what to do before soon receiving a light incline of the head in gesture to head over. Floof would slowly make his way down towards the woman from behind, keeping his body lowered to the ground as if trying to move unseen. Terrel found himself following more slowly as he'd watch Floof from his kept distance as he already knew the shifting of armor would be enough to alert the person.*
Nelson
"Hm?" *Manon leaned forward to the injured wolf, as if she was being told a secret. Thanking the wolf while gently petting it's bloodied fur as she continued to mend. Sitting upright once again before turning around to look at the one named Floof. She heard something further back but didn't care to go prying as Manon's focus was still healing this wolf. Thankfully she was almost finished. Clearing her throat as if it did anything with the spell she used to speak to beasts.*
"Are you here to kill me?" *She spoke out loud to whoever was hiding in the forest.*
Linda
*Silence. For a while the Pig masked Elf didn't give a response as he watched Floof make his way up to the lady, the wolf's nose twitching as he sniffed at her. Eventually, backing away from her, Terrel focused his gaze back on Manon, finally speaking back.*"Do you get told that a lot?"*He'd ask, wondering if there was a sort of bounty over her head to find the need to ask aloud if someone was trying to kill her.*
Nelson
*Reaching for her water container with one hand while squishing a bunch of berries into her other. She rubbed the sweet smelling fruit onto the wolf's skin before applying water. She didn't want this wolf to be tracked so easily by the scent of it's blood that stained it's fur. It wasn't the most thorough of washes but it should be enough to send to wolf on it's way, now that it's wounds were healed completely. Giving the wolf one last pet before grabbing her basked with one hand and her staff with another.* "I don't get a lot of anything in the forest. Seeing how you're talking to me, I'm going to assume not." *She turn to face the new wolf, the one named Floof. Reaching into her basket for a handful of edible fruits. Picking up a nearby leaf and placing the berries on top of the leaf before pushing it as far as she could towards the wolf without standing.*
"Are you hungry?" *She asked in the same tongue she used on the wolf mother, her attention directed at Floof.*
Linda
*It was up for debate, though Terrel hardly killed without good reason.*"You seem to get a lot of plants..."*He'd point out, tilting his head towards the basket before gesturing towards the wolf that she sent away.*"And other resources if you're willing to use them all up this quickly."*Floof would eye the woman, a look of confusion on him as she spoke to him. Offering the berries to him, the wolf would take a small sniff of it before turning away altogether, soon walking back over to return to his owner side with his investigations finished.*
Nelson
*Scooping up the leaf, folding it around the berries inside in a makeshift pouch. She placed it back into the basket, making sure to keep it separated from other plants inside.* "Finding plants has never been an issue for me, thankfully." *She spoke in common tongue, using her staff to help lift her onto her feet. She wasn't wearing any armor, just casual clothing that those from the city would wear. Bending over to dust herself off and the mud and dirt seemed to fly off her with ease.* "Is your friend not hungry, I suppose I am a stranger." *Manon walked towards a nearby bush and started peeling berries from it.* "These berries help with infections but they're not made for eating." *Once obtaining and handful she wrapped it in another leaf before walking to the male.* "You should take these with you."
Linda
"I wouldn't think it would be considering we're in a forest right now."*He'd jest over Manon saying it was never hard for her to find plants. Though he did find the whole talking to animals thing rather odd, but he supposed he did the same thing if not more strange with the lack of getting a response back.*"He just ate."*Terrel would respond to answer her question about Floof, following her movements with his hidden gaze as she walked over to a bush to take berries from it before coming up to him and offering them. He'd take it in his gloved hand, staring down at them as he had no clue what they were nor why he should use a plant that a random person gave to him.*"Do you just live out here, giving plants to the random people and animals you meet?"*He'd ask.*
Nelson
*Manon looked up at him with two cat like pupils, examining his mask and found it rather charming.* "I like your mask." *She said abruptly before taking a step back from the stranger.* "I do not live out here, and I do not meet many people out here either." *Manon didn't care which way he took that statement. It could imply a yes or no.* "Not all the animals, though it does hurt to hear them cry for help. I can't resist helping the mothers though, they have young ones to look after." *She looked behind her, towards the way the wolf mother ran. Manon quickly looked back at the male before giving a rather embarrassed smile.* "Not that I can understand them or anything, that would just be plain silly." *Realizing that she might've sounded a little crazy just now.*
Linda
"Must be a fan of farm animals."*He'd respond, catching her practically staring up at him.*"You should go visit one some time, I'm sure there are all kind of animals that would love you."*With his naturally monotone voice, it was hard to tell if he was being genuine or sarcastic, but nonetheless he seemed to find amusement in the admiration of a simple mask. He'd listen to her talk about how she didn't meet many people which already answered one of his questions, soon finishing with her saying how she helped animals in her feelings of sympathy. It seemed she found embarrassment in the idea of talking to them, but Terrel didn't seem too bothered.*"Understandable. You're alone out here with nothing but animals to talk to, seems about right that you've started talking to them."*He'd say, though it was less of him talking on the thought of her actually understanding them and more on her just doing what any person does when they haven't had people to talk to for a long while, making their own conversations with what sentient beings were still around or even non-sentient for those crazy enough.*
Nelson
*Manon was practically beaming as she took the stranger's hand, cupping it between her own. Finally someone who could also hear the animals around, the stories they have to say or the information they wanted to share. Though the predators always bragged about their catches, much like human hunters.* "Oh!" *Her gaze fixated onto his mask once more* "So you can hear them too!" *Completely misunderstanding what the male meant. She looked down at the ground in excitement, looking for the wolf companion she saw earlier. Dropping back down onto her knees as she lowered herself to talk with the Wolf.* "I'm sure you and your friend here are very close." *However she did not speak the common tongue this time, again she spoke in a weird almost unheard of language that only animals seemed to parse.*
Linda
*As the lady would take his hand, he'd slowly move it out of her grasp, clearly not understanding what she was getting so excited about.*"No, I haven't gone that crazy yet."*He'd say back. This woman must have been out here for a very long time if she was beginning to hear the animals actually respond back in words she understood. Floof would stare at the woman, eventually responding in a voice of confusion.*
Thomas
"We are Miss."*He'd answer with a steady wag of his tail. His head would tilt to the side a bit in question .*"I don't think I've ever met a twoleg able to hear me."
Nelson
*Manon stared at the companion, What did it mean? "Met a twoleg able to hear it.". Realization creeping up on her as she misunderstood what the male had said. She fully believed that these two talked the same way she did with wild forest animals.* "You mean.. He doesn't understand you?" *She poked her staff against the pig faced stranger's ankle.* "How are you both very close if he doesn't understand you or your needs?" *She pressed further, rather baffled that this wolf chose to follow along. Remembering what he had said earlier about the wolf just being fed, but now that she knows they can't communicate she asked once more.* "Are you actually full, young one? I tried to give you some fresh berries but you didn't see very keen on the idea." *Manon almost neglected the fact that the elf was still standing there.*
Linda
*Terrel was debating between whether or not he should say something, seeing the two of them going back and forth with the strange animal speech, he had no idea if he was missing something or they were actually having a conversation.*
Thomas
"Yeah, I got to eat a warthog earlier! Which was king of weird because Alpha is like a pig, a really large pig. But he lets me eat any meat we find."*He'd add with a wag of his tail.*"He doesn't speak the way I do, nor like a pig, but I think he kind of understands."
Linda
"Hokay-"*Terrel would say, carefully reaching down to pick up the young wolf with surprising ease.*"I think you've been out here alone for a bit too long lady. You know you're the only one hearing things right?"
Nelson
*Manon gave the wolf a smile, finding relief in knowing it's been cared for.* "Have you ever tri-" *She started before the wolf was swooped up from the ground. "It was nice meeting you~!" *She said a little louder of the wolf could hear. Manon found her way back to her feet, her gaze staring up at the male with an unenthused look. It wasn't very polite of him to interrupt their conversation like that.* "Yes, I realized it after I talked to your friend here. I don't live out here either." *She interjected, implying she didn't spend all her time alone in forests either.* "I'm sorry that you're *Boring* And your friend thanks you for the warthog meal as well. He also said he enjoys having such a lovely companion, such as yourself, following him like a loyal pup." *She looked at the wolf currently within his arms and gave a wink, even though he probably couldn't understand common tongue.*
Linda
"We'll apologies for not being able to provide proper entertainment."*He'd reply back sarcastically before suddenly shaking his head to and fro.*"Hold on... The Warthog...?"*He questioned, his face masked with confusion quite literally in the masked part.*"He told you about eating a Warthog?"*Surely, she hasn't been spying on them to be able to obtain that knowledge, did she? Floof seemed to rest rather peacefully in the crook of his arm, probably used to being carried this way. He didn't really understand what the wink was for, but he assumed it was a good thing as he'd allow his tongue to hang out playfully in response.*
Nelson
"Well after he made it painfully clear that you and him do not have conversations, I asked if he was actually full or not. You know, since you don't actually know." *A hint of agitation in her tone, mostly from the crushed realization that the elf can not speak to his companion like she could.* "Yes, he told me about the warthog. Anyways, did you get lost out here? Seems like you didn't mean to find me." *Now that she was up close and talking with the elf more, there was an extreme chance that he caught glimpse at the pair of fangs she had.* "I would give you some herbs to help sooth 'his'" *She nodded at the young wolf* "Teeth or stomach, but you wouldn't know when to use them anyways." *It was becoming a little obvious that the vampire's emotions get the better of her sometimes.*
Linda
*Terrel would take in a deep inhale of air, clearly growing more exasperated the longer this crazy talk went on for.*"Listen, lady I'm going to make five things clear for you right now..."*He'd begin, after thinking of a number.*"One I do talk to my wolf, however, having full conversations will always be one sided because I don't know what he's saying and he doesn't know what I'm saying. Two, you are the only one here that seems to be hearing anything back from the animals, so before you get on me for not understanding what my animal says, it is not normal. Three, I'm not some herbalist despite whatever pigs you must have seen that are just so great on finding the right plants and rubbing it all over them. Four, we are not lost out here, we're camping for a while until it's time to get back to traveling. I'm sure Floof didn't tell you about that, now did he? And five, no one was meaning to find you out here, that's probably the reason you're out here anyways without no one else out here looking for you."*Terrel would count each of his fingers off as he listed the things, no longer finding need to be any nicer to this Elf who found need to throw insult at things that was quite normal for anything else. If she was going to get agitated at that then it was no wonder she was alone out here.*
Nelson
*Manon listened to what he had to say except for the fifth and last point. What an adorable name, Floof. Manon leaned forward in a little curtsy, more at the young wolf that the rude elf.* "My name is Manon, it's nice to meet you Floof." *She said to the wolf, almost taking pleasure in knowing the Elf couldn't understand her when she talked to Floof.* "Listen, uh." *She glanced at the Elf from head to toe before continuing* "Uh, Pig." *Not knowing what name to call him anyways.* "It's so primitive of you to just assume what Floof is saying anyways, he barks and you just think what you want. How very inconsiderate. Also. The conversations between Floof and I are none of your concern, he would've gotten to it if you didn't interrupt!" *She prodded the elf with the end of her staff, her nostrils flaring.*
Linda
"It's Terrel."The Elf would say in a neutral tone. As she'd explain to him that he should assume Floof was trying to say something anyways, he'd bring a gloved hand up to his head in the lightest face palm.*"I know that."*He'd say before lowering his hand once more to gesture towards her.*"How do you think I found you in the first place? It most certainty wasn't from sniffing around in the snow all day."*Floof would look between the two of them, his ears lowering slightly at their argument.*"Ah how rude of me to interrupt a conversation with my own wolf while I'm standing right here."*He'd say with an exaggerated bow.*"I suppose I should also not take these berries away from you as well in the event that they may want to gossip about what it's like sitting in my hand."
Nelson
*Manon let out a laugh, A genuine laugh. Her fangs in full display for a moment before she covered her mouth. After a few seconds and wipe of a tear from her eyes.* "You sound crazy, Terrel. Plants don't talk. Everyone knows that." *Manon pressed the end of her staff into the ground so it would stand upright on it's own, using her free hand she ran it through her Raven black hair, moving strands from her face in the process.* "I needed that laugh, it's nice to know you're not just all rude." *She gave a small sigh though, she was getting hungry and not for plants or meat either. Talking to animals wasn't always a wonderful thing. She too had to kill the wildlife in order to survive as well. She had to hear them beg for their lives when she drained them of their essences. It's the reason why she always went for a killing blow.* "Can you help me hunt for today, I'll translate all the things Floof here wants to say in return. And you can keep the meat and fur of the animal too."
Linda
*For a brief moment Terrel would stare at her, contemplating on the possible repercussions of strangling her before he'd eventually avert his attention to her as she asked for possible help with her hunt.*"I'm not a Hunter for any reason other than gold..."*He'd say, looking back at her.*"And neither meat nor fur is a reward in my eyes... Hardly worth any on market for any animal you find on the daily. He'd give a light pat to Floof's head, debating for a while. He wasn't too sure how much of the person's words were true on what they hear, seemingly crazy on her own to the point where she was probably hearing voices as much as any other madman.*"I'm not stealthy when it comes to it."*He'd finally say, not exactly being a yes or no in answer of her question.*"Any animal would hear me coming from a mile away."
Nelson
*Manon began biting her thumbnail, thinking of a way to escape this part of her life. The part where she needed to sedate a growing hunger within her. If it were up to her, she would only heal and mend wounds. Manon began pacing back and forth, entirely lost in thought. Every plant in a radius around her began to close their flower buds or recede from the pacing vampire. The moment she turned away, those same plants began sprouting once more. She wanted to ask Terrel to come with, someone to talk to or take her mind off things before and after the kill. But she didn't want him to be afraid of what she was either.* "Can I tag along with you while you stay in the forest?" *Looking around the ground as if she lost something before rushing to a sack of coins she left while healing the wolf. Picking it up and handing it to Terrel in payment.* "This is all I have on me, I can get more if you need more."
Linda
*Terrel took the pouch in his hand, shaking it slightly as if to get a rough guess on how much was inside. He didn't seem too satisfied, but in hearing that she could bring more, he'd take a moment to think about it. She wanted to tag along with him? Terrel wasn't sure how long he'd put up with her moodiness. He already had to deal with enough of that back at home.*"Give me one reason why I should bring you along with me..."*He'd say, humoring the idea for a bit.*"I already travel enough as it is, whatever you expect to get out of following me around for a short while before I leave here, I guarantee it won't be what you're looking for."*Terrel would say, seemingly unbothered by the woman and her fangs. This wasn't the first he's dealt with a vampire, far from it, but they were no different to him than any other parasite with a strange obsession with the blood of others. Only difference was these ones talked.*"I've already had enough of your craziness for one day."
Nelson
"I just don't want to be alone when I have to take a life, it's.. Sad." *She always waited until the cravings became unbearable. It was true that she wiped berries and clean the blood from the Wolf mother to prevent it from being found, from her. It took almost all her willpower to not finish the poor animal off while she healed it. Of course Terrel would be in inherent danger if he chose to accept. She wasn't worried about the looming bloodlust though, The elf could probably overpower her. Assuming that she was within a few yards of him.* "I won't talk if that's what it takes." *She added, a hint of sorrow at the thought of being silent while traveling with another.* "I'm sure I could provide something of worth for your troubles, I don't know what you need though."
Linda
*What did he want? He only really traveled in working on his swordsmanship, living against the typical stereotype of Elves. Terrel got enough of what he wanted working day today day anyways. He supposed he had a companion who was looking for others to travel with him to this supposed island of oversized wildlife. Terrel could bet this woman would be fanatic over it, but what use would she have if she couldn't even take the life of something as simple as an animal? At least he could pretend that she wasn't there in her silence, though he cared little for the sob story.*"Is there anything you're relatively good at?"*He'd ask, seemingly growing bored of the thought.*
Nelson
"I'm good at finding plants, rare or not. I'm rather gifted at it." *It was thanks to the nature magic coursing through her.* "I can heal all types of injuries and trauma as well." *Also thanks to the faith magic within her.* "If anything were to happen, I can fix you, Floof as well. My name is Manon by the way, Floof knew that but I don't think I told you earlier." *She leaned forward in a bow, hoping it would be enough for him to take her along as a temporary companion.* "My magic is at your disposal."
Linda
*Plants. He probably should have seen this coming, but maybe she could rummage around for some food for him while everyone else went off to hunt their own meals. Another healer, can't say it was his first, but ever since the others had been busy, he and Okami seemed to be lacking some. Then again, he doubted she'd stay long enough to really provide use with it unless they ended up getting attacked by bandits on their way to the other towns. With the bow, claiming that her magic was at his disposal, he'd let out sigh. Floof would look up at him, his tongue hanging out as he stared up at his owner.*"Fine..."*He'd eventually say. Placing down his wolf, Terrel would use his now free hand to push back his velvety cloak, placing the pouch in his pocket before grabbing his crossbow. Loading a bolt into it, he'd draw it back until it made a threatening clicking noise, notifying that it was ready to fire.*"What do you want Manon..."*He'd ask in question of what animal she wanted him to shoot, not really caring about it so long as it wasn't one that took forever to find.*
Nelson
"Anything is fine really, The next time you catch something for Floof here. Just give me a few moments with it. Alone if you'll allow it. Thank you by the way." *She added after a while, her basket and staff in either hand as she waited for his orders to move. Manon found herself hoping that Terrel was an extraordinary shot with the bow. Wishing a quick death for the unmarked animal she sought after. As if connected to her mood, all the plants around her began blooming once more. She wanted to resume her conversation with Floof but she kept her word and remained silent until spoken to.*
Linda
*Terrel would turn away without a word, his cloak sweeping behind him in the gentle cold breeze. Looking between the two of them, Floof would try to give a reassuring wag of his tail to Manon before he too would bound after the Elf, keeping to his side as he'd finally catch up. Moving between the trees, the two would eventually vanish from sight, leaving Manon to her lonesome for the time being.*
Nelson
*Manon walked over to a nearby rock so she could sit and wait for the Elf and his lovely companion. She started to flex her fingers on her right hand and it seemed to provoke rapid growth with the moss underneath her. As if being called it started to climb up the rock she sat upon. Manon found herself thinking if she made a mistake in not going with the Elf. Would he even return or did he take her coin pouch and leave? The berries she gifted the Elf could sell for a pretty coin if sold to a local doctor. Eventually, she got up and began following the trail left behind the duo. It wasn't because she was trying to spy or be nosey, she just felt the onset of bloodlust tugging on her conscious.*
Linda
*It wouldn't be hard to follow with the footprints left in the snow from the twos departure. However, with the head start they got it seemed like they had cover a good amount of distance. Time would pass for a while, having to follow the long trail before she would hear any sign of the two of them being around. A pair of rabbits would dart across her path, one of which being followed by a streak of white fur. Floof sprung atop of the one he followed, its shriek being cut off by the wolf as he snapped his jaws down on its neck. The other rabbit would continue its retreat, seemingly making it away from the wolf only to receive a sudden shot in its side by a crossbow bolt. It writhed in pain as it collapsed on its side, the shot not clean enough to kill it completely as Terrel would slowly walk over to pick up the squirming rabbit, Floof soon returning to his owner with own catch, his tail wagging in delight.*
Nelson
*Manon heard the sound of crying before she saw anything. Just as she made it through the thicket of bushes and tress she saw the first rabbit get silenced. She froze in her tracks as she silently watched the second rabbit get shot. It's pained cries, it's legs kicking at full speed even though it was pinned to the ground. Just as Floof came over and silenced that one as well. She shouldn't have followed, coming here was a big mistake. Tears began rolling down her cheeks, though she didn't know when they started. She hated this curse, this was somewhat faster than what she would have to do. Manon usually had to use her nature to hold down her pray and then finish them off with rock. More than a handful of times the first, second, third strike didn't do the job. She felt like a murderer even though she has never taken a life in the typical sense.* 
"I'm sorry for following, I uh." *She wiped the tears from her face and took a deep breath inwards.* "You didn't tell me to stay so I wasn't sure if I should've stayed."
Emily
*Terrel would look over at her at Manon's approach, more surprised over the fact that she followed them all the way here than the fact that she was crying over a dead rabbit. He supposed that just made it more convenient for him with her already being over here.*"Don't worry about it. Less of a trip back for me. These things took forever to find."*He'd say, wrapping his fingers individually around the rabbit's neck before squeezing into a tight fist. There was quiet popping noise, soon followed by the rabbit going stiff in it finally being put out of its misery.*"You said you needed some alone time with the animal didn't you?"*He'd question before removing the bolt and suddenly tossing the dead rabbit over to her without much remorse.*"Here."
Robert
*Manon had to turn her head away from Terrel when he finished the rabbit. Listening to the faint cries going silent followed directly by a popping sound of it's neck. Without looking she nodded to his question, hating herself for this need of hers. It wasn't until Terrel said 'here' and by that time the rabbit landed onto the ground in front of her.* "Thank you" *She said softly while scooping the rabbit into her hands. Idly she brushed the fur on it's head, as if trying to console the poor thing. Manon's back faced Terrel and Floof as she sank her teeth down into the rabbit's neck, draining it of the resources she needed to survive. Manon could never tell which part of this process was the hardest. Holding out so she didn't have to claim more lives than needed, or the rush she gained after harvesting. Even off a rabbit she felt energy coursing through her being, felt wonderful down to her core. It was times during the feeding when she wondered what a Macen or an Elf would taste like.*
*Pulling the rabbit from her mouth as she sat there with her head tilted back, an idol smile etched across her lips with blood dripping down her chin. The afterglow subsided shortly after and she looked back down at her hands, at the dead rabbit still cupped within them.* "Do you need this rabbit or may I bury it?" *Wiping her chin with her sleeve before turning around to face Terrel.*
Linda
*Vampires. There was always something about them than seemed unnecessarily off putting. But what's done was done, despite their strange eating habits. He gave a dismissive wave of his hand.*"Bury it, not much use to me out here. Floof already has his own prize. One he can actually keep for himself, isn't that right Floof?"*He'd say, the latter part in reference to the other two wolves that always tried to get a bite out of Floof's food with their puppyish greediness. Floof had already lowered his head towards the rabbit, chewing down on it relatively slowly without worry of anyone else coming to take it. Bones snapped under his bite soon followed by the obnoxiously loud chewing from the wolf pup savoring its meat.*
Nelson
*Manon dug at the dirt with her own two hands until a pit was large enough to cover the rabbit. She gently placed the rabbit into the small grave before covering it up once more. Once she was finished she stood up and faced Terrel.* "I'm sorry for my behaviour before, thank you for helping me." *Thought she didn't turn around to leave, in fact it looked as if she was ready to follow them. That was what they agreed upon. She didn't say anything else other than her thanks, intent on keeping that part of her promise as well. Her gaze did drift down to Floof and she gave him a small smile, glad that he was enjoying himself with his meal. Pausing for a moment, maybe Terrel was hungry.* "Excuse me, uh, Terrel? Are you not hungry after all that? Everyone else has eaten except you."
Linda
*Part of Terrel doubted she actually felt sorry. Then again, she could have simply been moody from hunger. Though if she couldn't kill an animal to eat then this was bound to happen a lot and sorry wasn't going to make it any better.*"I thought you said you were going to stay quiet."*He'd begin, seemingly serious for the moment after the inconvenience of having to hunt down one of the smallest animals. Okami would have found more thrill in it. Meanwhile for him, it was just a task for monetary reward. Hardly worth it at best. Terrel would lean against a tree, deciding to rest on it until Floof was finished.*"I have food back at camp."*He'd say, not looking too bothered as he watched his wolf finish his meal before walking back over to him.*"Nothing to concern over. Not like I'll be running around like a hungry boar attacking the first thing I see."*He'd chuckle at the last part, seemingly more lightheartedly.*
Nelson
*Manon smiled half-heartedly at his joke, she knew it was an attempt at humor but 'running around like a hungry boar' and 'attacking the first thing I see' were both things she has done while bloodlusting. Finding a nice place on the ground to sit while she watched Floof eat away, finding some sort of solace again in seeing this thriving young pup. Times likes these help reminded her that this was the circle of life, predator and prey. Though she just wished she didn't have to partake it in.*
*This was the first time someone had, for the most part, tolerated being around her. He was right on the fifth point, nobody has sought after her. Maybe that's why she felt so comfortable around animals. Once Floof seemed about finished she stood up, expecting travel to happen at any moment.*
Linda
"Let's go."*He'd say, inclining his head for them to get a move on. Floof scrambled back onto his paws, waiting for Terrel to move on ahead before following after him. The wolf licked at his chops, letting out a quiet yawn as he walked with him. It seemed like the chase and meal was enough to take away his energy for the time being. At least they were heading back to camp to finally get some rest.*
Nelson
*Manon also trailed behind them both from a little ways back. It definitely felt like she was impeding but it was better than being alone, even if temporary. Making sure to never lose sight Terrel she began picking plants along the way. It wouldn't hurt to have a small supply in case anything happened. Rare plants didn't mean anything for her. All plants were hard to find during the colder seasons but never impossible for her.*
*Losing herself to thought once more until a question appeared in her mind. Rushing forward to Terrel. Why did he happen to find her in the forest. She wasn't really on a trail or near anything of value that she could sense.* "Exc-" *She started and then fell quiet, remembering that her silence was part of the agreement.*
Linda
*Terrel would continue walking along, half aware of Manon moving back and forth to pick up plants along the way. She was a real fanatic of them, wasn't she? Thus was the way of the healer, not that it made him care any more. As she would begin to speak, only to cut herself off, Terrel would simply continue on in silence for a while. The only kind of sound seemingly that of their footsteps with the long way back to camp after the hunt.*"What is it?"*He'd ask after the long pause.*
Nelson
"We've been walking for a while, why were you so far from where we're going?" *Occasionally Manon used the end of her staff as a walking stick, something that other casters do no doubt. Although Floof and Terrel would have to step over roots or duck under branches, Manon moved them as she passed. The only times she had to change her pathing was when a rock was in the way or the tree itself, not just the low-hanging branches. Things like these required no thought as she has traveled through forests more than cities.* "I don't remember feeling anything of value near where I was mending the wolf."
Linda
"Camp was much closer before having to go out to hunt."*He'd begin.*"I'd have only stuck around the surrounding area to scope things out otherwise."*Pushing past yet another branch, not caring if it swung back in recoil, he'd say:*"If you're already tired of walking, camp is not much further."*He couldn't imagine she ever went that far if she stayed around the forest this whole time. Everything was typically there when she needed it.*
Nelson
*She had no idea that her favor placed them so far away from the destination. Manon stopped abruptly as the branch came whipping back at her, narrowing escaping a blow to the chest in the process. She puffed air upwards, moving some of her Raven coloured hair from her eyes as she continued further, needing to duck over this particular branch this time.* "I'm okay with walking, how are you feeling though? Getting bit?" *She wasn't sure if they both were being bitten by bugs or not. In her basket she had foul smelling leaves that would deter insects from biting in the future. She also had herbs that stopped itching as well.*
Linda
*Terrel went silent at the question, contemplating if he should answer it with how idiotic it was as part of him wasn't sure if it was an attempted joke or awkward small talk.*"It's the middle of winter Manon."*He'd say.*"If I were getting bit during this time of year, it would probably much more visible than a rash on the back of the neck."
Nelson
*Manon fell silent, it was a stupid attempt at small talk. She didn't know what to say or how to act. Sometimes she wondered if Vampires often had this problem or was she the only one.* "I have herbs for that too." *She said quietly, and it was true. She definitely had a herb that would calm itches. She took these embarrassing moments after to remain silent. Maybe she was over reacting but everything she had to say in her mind just sounded stupid to a 'normal' person.*
Linda
*With Manon going quiet again, Terrel decided to enjoy the silence while it lasted. Parting through the last set of trees, he would make his way into a small clearing.*"We're back guys."*He'd say.*"Make the lady feel at home, but not too much."*Terrel would walk his way into the clearing over to a horse that stood with its lead tied to a tree. At his approach, the horse would gaze over at him, letting out a huff of air only to receive a pat on the snout in return. As Floof entered, two smaller grey wolf pups would rush over to him tackling the wolf over as they yipped at him.*
Nelson
*Manon was taken aback the addition of more people. She fully believed that it was just the three of them. Raising a hand and giving a small wave to all the people, social anxiety creeping up on her now.* "Good evening." *She said to all the people and almost to the pups and horse. She would have to remind herself not to listen to the animals right now. She already came off as crazy to one, she didn't need to be in the center of the joke. Deep down, Manon felt excited as well. Maybe she would have a human companion or 'friend'. Whichever the correct term was. Not knowing where to so she just shadowed Terrel as he moved to the horse.*
Linda
*Terrel would move along his horse, reaching into the saddlebags to grab some food to cook later only to turn around and see Manon following him.*"You know, you can just sit by the fire..."*He'd say, preferring to not have someone standing over his shoulder or rather below his shoulder for that matter.*"Going to get late soon so might as well find somewhere to rest for the night..."
Nelson
*Manon looked behind her and to the fire.* "O-Oh." *She walked over to the fire and sat nearby, taking comfort in the warmth it provided. She kept her distance thought, something about fire always brought up a sense of dread within her. She couldn't explain it, she never had a bad experience with fire. Something about it though, Yeah, it was better to sit a couple feet further than the rest. Manon made small talk with the others in Terrel's party, always keeping her head down in case someone might attack her for being a vampire.*
Linda
*Terrel would eventually make his way over to the fire to join her, sitting down a few feet away. In his hands were a variety of different vegetables that he had begun to peel away at before he'd add it to a pot and allow it to cook over the fire.*"Ever find plants that work well in meals?"*He'd ask her randomly, most of his attention devoted on cooking right now.*
Nelson
*Turning her head to Terrel as he spoke, her attention on the plants he was carefully peeling.* "Are you asking if I have some on me, or just in general?" *Before Terrel could add the plants into a pot she reached forward and quickly pulled a vegetable looking plant from him.* "This is commonly mistaken fo-." *Who was she kidding, he probably didn't want a lecture on plants from her anyways.* "These will make you go to the bathroom a lot.." *She cut it down short before tossing it into the fire. Normal people might've threw it on the ground but she didn't want that fate for the animals either.* "I was out picking mostly berries today, I don't mid giving them away."
Linda
"In general."*He would say without looking up from his work. When she brought up one of the plants she had, he'd gaze up, soon watching her toss it into the fire before giving a brief explanation for it.*"Shouldn't waste resources you know."*He'd respond, his attention soon altering away from the short lived plant.*"Not everyone lives in a lush jungle."*When she mentioned having berries she wouldn't mind giving away, he'd respond with:*"Sure, Tzu might like them."*Almost on cue with his name, Terrel's long pink hair would start to shift in place, soon exposing the small brown head of the flightless bird-like animal living it. The Furrow would climb up his head, peering around the area through narrowed slits.*
Nelson
"I'm sorry, I'll go grab more in the morning. I forgot that uh, people have troubles finding these things." *She reached into her basket to pull out a small leaf pouch with edible berries inside. Looking around the campfire for the one named "Tzu" Before the bird made it's appearance. Manon gasped in surprise, had the bird always been traveling with them? Was it asleep the whole time, it didn't make a sound at all. "He's a cutie" *She said in common tongue, picking up a couple of berries within her index and thumb. Slowly she raised it to the bird's mouth, hoping it would take a bite. Manon had to look around for any prying eyes before leaning up to the bird, speaking that supernatural language that only animals could understand.* "My name is Manon, it's nice to meet you." *She said in a low whisper, only the bird and Terrel could hear her speak.*
Linda
*With Manon offering the bird some of the berries, he'd quickly snatch one of them up, soon chewing down on it only for Terrel to suddenly pick him up by the smallest scruff of his neck. The bird would wiggle in his hold a bit before the Elf would eventually put him on the ground, seemingly preferring the bird to not eat on his head. Now on the floor, Tzu would gaze around, trying to find a safer place to go before eventually deciding to simply climb up onto Terrel's pants and rest upon his knee. Deciding this was safe for now, the bird would resume eating, at first not noticing the woman speaking to him. Until he'd eventually lift his head up towards the woman.*"I suppose you must be another one of this guy's allies."*Tzu would respond back to her greeting.*"Not a surprise, you lot come and go all the time."*What he meant by that, it was hard to tell, but eventually he'd slowly begin to make his progression back up the Elf.*"Thanks for the meal though."*The Furrow would say before climbing up onto his shoulder.*
Nelson
*Manon bit down her lip, deciding how to best go about this. Her attention turned back to the fire, the plant from earlier fully engulfed by the flames.* "It's my pleasure, Young Tzu. What do you mean by people come and go?" *She said without turning her head, her voice only a whisper. She also tried to move her mouth as little as possible. She supposed talking to herself was less crazy than having a conversation with an animal outright. "I don't know if we're allies, he doesn't seem to like me very much." *Reaching back into her hand and offering yet another berry to the bird on Terrel's lap*
Linda
*The Furrow would peer back over at her, probably surprised that she was still talking to him. A phenomena of sorts.*"It's what people do, isn't it? They come, stay for a while, then leave."*He scratches at his fur a bit. As she mentioned not being sure about whether or not they were allies, he would grab at the berry she had and chew down on it.*"Sounds about right. I didn't know I was an ally either, but yet still here with lots of free food for the taking."
Nelson
*Manon gave a little nod to the bird before holding the berries in the palm of her hand and up to his face. She wasn't going to feed him one at a time anymore and allowed him to have his fill.* "You seem to love animals too." *She said in common tongue, trying to make friendly talk with the Elf once more.* "Tzu here is also very nice." *Her cat like pupils glaring up at Terrel, becoming a little more curious as to who this individual was.* "Is there any types of plants you would like for me to gather tonight?" *Heavily implying that she would not be sleeping at the same time as the rest of them*
Linda
*Tzu would take as much as he could carry, stuffing some of them into his mouth before quickly climbing up into the Elf's hair, out of sight.*"It's a familial trait."*Terrel would say back casually to Manon as she pointed out his liking of animals. With Manon considering them all nice, he doubted she really talked to them. That or simply saw them as all the same in her eyes. He'd finish adding the vegetables to the soup, turning his head to catch Manon glaring up at him.*"If you keep looking at me like that, I'm going to put a mask on you as well."*He'd say, leaning back to allow the food to boil.*"Any wildly grown vegetables will do, so long as they're not poisonous. Don't be running around all night. We have enough things to look out for in this forest without accidentally attacking you in the process."
Nelson
"Keep looking at you like what? Like..." *Moving onto her stomach in the cold ground, her elbows planting themselves down as she placed her chin within her palms. From this prone positioned she peered up at Terrel once more.* "-this? Does wearing a mask officially make me apart of the group, or do you hate my face that much?" *She didn't lay like that for long before scooting closer to the fire to re-warm her body.* "I'll try to catch some sleep then, I wouldn't want to get attacked either. That being said, if you're on duty tonight, I doubt you'd hit me." *Not really disclosing if she thought he was a terrible shot or if she had some speed about her that wasn't disclosed.* "As long as I'm not shot dead from a single arrow, I think I can mend myself." *Manon couldn't tell if Terrel actually cared about her well being or not.*
Linda
"The latter."*Terrel answered neutrally, eventually turning his head away to focus on the soup cooking. As it would soon finish, he'd pour himself a bowl and relax a bit to take a small sip from the bowl while Manon continued speaking. More so, mentioning that she doubted she'd get hit on his duty. He wasn't sure if that was from her calling him a bad shot or her thinking that he would hesitate to.*"Don't count on it, I've fought blind before."*He'd say, drinking the soup before lowering it away from his mouth and licking away at the excess.*"And trust me..."*He'd begin, lowering his head down so that he could be closer to her level.*"I won't stop at just one."
Nelson
"I see what Tzu meant." *She grabbed her basket and her staff before rising to her feet. Raising both arms into the sky as she stretched, getting the blood flowing back into her semi-warm body.* "Wildly grown vegetables that are not poisonous, Sounds good. I won't wander too far away, I wouldn't want to get lost." *And with that she began walking into the forest once more. She even passed a bush filled with berries along the way. Maybe Terrel didn't know they were poisonous but Manon knew without even examining the fruits closely.*
Linda
*Terrel would give a slow shake of his head as he watched her walk off, eventually turning away to finish his soup and place the bowl back on the ground.*"It's going to be a long night."*He'd say, laying back on the ground as he used the heat generated from both the fire and his clothing to warm him. A small yawn would escape him, as he stared back up towards the sky. He probably won't take first watch tonight after all.*
Nelson
*Manon continued into the forest before grabbing a handful of edible plants for Terrel. She was getting rather cold but ever since she was turned into a vampire, the cold didn't seem nearly as cold anymore. Nothing ever life threatening. Once the moon was high above she returned back to the camp. Placing a rather full basket of plants next to him. She threw a couple of logs into the fire before crawling onto the floor. She wasn't very tired yet, so she laid awake in silence.*
Linda
*Terrel would be resting on the ground for the time being, his eyes closed though not that anyone was able to tell really with the mask. He seemed to be in a light doze, though with Manon returning and leaving the plants by him only to go lay on the floor in silence, he'd suddenly ask:*"You planning on staying awake all night?"
Nelson
*She jumped where she laid, not even knowing Terrel was awake.* "Sorry, I'm feeling a little restless." *She admitted, maybe it was because she was around so many new people.* "I'm usually awake during the nights so my mind is racing a little." *She was a little worried of being asleep when the sun came up, didn't want to get caught in it's rays without some type of protection* "What kind of mask would you give me?" *She asked, remembering that he said he would put a mask on her. Maybe the mask would help protect her face from the sun.*
Linda
*Terrel fell silent, questioning why she actually wanted a mask. Who wouldn't really, but after the statement earlier, he'd figure it would be rubbing more salt in the wound to actually consider it. What mask he would give her? Terrel would think on it for a bit, mostly of what's the most annoying animal he could come up with. Eventually he'd shake away the other thoughts all together as one finally came to mind.*"A cat."*He'd say.*"A black cat."
Nelson
*She smiled, though he wouldn't see it as her back was facing him. A black cat, hopefully the same colour as her hair. A matching mask.* "That seems nice, I'd like that." *She said softly, rolling onto her back and looking up at the sky. It was unfortunate that the stars were not visible past the clouds up high. She never went star gazing with another before, she'll have to add that to her 'to-do' list before she fades from the world, whenever that is.* "How come a pig mask?" *She asked, curiosity getting the better of her.*