Howard
*Celeana took another step closer, confidence growing that she would indeed not be shot by the young huntress.* "Right.. I'm supposed to call you by name but I'm called 'thief'." *Glancing down at her companion and giving a subtle nod. Her hand reached behind her back and into a pouch that was hidden by her new cloak. She knew she had some dried squirrel meat, the same squirrel she obtained on their first encounter. As her fingers grasped onto the tough game meat she lowered into a kneel. Celeana held the food up for both Canifor and companion alike to examine. Bringing the food to her mouth and taking a rather large bite from the jerky, proving that it was not poisonous. Celeana stretched out her hand with the jerky resting within her palm.*"Does Jordan enjoy squirrel, do *You* Enjoy squirrel?" *Her second question lacking intrigue. It was her turn to start question dodging until she obtained some answers as well.*
Heather
*Jace would sniff at the jerky in Celeana's hand, a low growl rolling up in his throat before he would bark at her. It didn't seem to be exceptionally aggressive, though the Jackal would still stare up at her, in waiting almost. Juna would take another step back, her gaze narrowing slightly as Celeana avoided the question. As far as Juna knew, she had been following her this whole time and her lack of an answer only seemed to prove it more. Bringing up how she's supposed to call Juna by her name while she's only called thief in return, Juna would give a light shake of her head. She could recall the thief mentioning her name was Celeana, how true that was Juna wasn't sure. Though seeing as she couldn't get Jace's own name right, Juna saw no reason to be on a first name basis anyways.*"We enjoy squirrel when we catch it ourselves..."*She'd answer, not only jabbing at the thought of Celeana potentially stealing the squirrel, but also providing the idea that Juna prefers to eat her own catches rather than what someone's given her. She deserved what she could provide herself, nothing more.*
Howard
*Celeana placed the jerky onto the grass before standing once more, her hands patting her bottom and legs to shake free the dirt that clung to her.* "Then I don't see an issue." *Finding loopholes within Juna's words. Technically speaking that is the squirrel she caught. Technically speaking, Juna said nothing about having to cook it herself. Celeana pointed down at the jerky with her left hand, before speaking.* "Then you should really enjoy that one, seeing how you caught it." *A grin forming across her lips.* "Anyways, I just wanted to share with you the food you gave me yesterday, and to maybe talk once more. It's also getting dark, an extra set of hands or blades might help." *Celeana walked right up to Juna but instead of pausing, she passed in the direction the Canifor was heading before.* "Are we on our way to check traps or maybe a deer?"
Heather
*Jace would snatch the jerky up in his mouth, quickly gnawing it down before returning back to Juna's side. Hearing Celeana say that it was her squirrel, Juna couldn't help but look away from the thief in slight embarrassment of it. At least Jace had gotten his end of the meal, but it didn't completely suppress her disliking of the woman. For the time being, however, she'd simply bite her tongue silence. Watching her walk past in the direction Juna was already heading in, she couldn't help but feel a sense of panic rise up in her in the realization that she had been leading Celeana towards her camp.*"I thought you were going to stay at the tavern-"*She suddenly spluttered out, mostly to shift the Elf's attention away from the forest.*"Is... There not someone there that could help with your hunting-"*Juna wasn't sure why Celeana found the need to come to her specifically. There were a lot more capable hunters out there. The whole 'we' thing, suddenly felt like weight sitting in her stomach, as if she were stuck having to be followed around by this woman.*
Howard
*Celeana turned from the forest to once again face the Canifor, a brow lifting upon her face in curiosity. She knew better than to assume this was compassion on Juna's part, but for a brief moment her mind leapt to that conclusion.* "It was getting too loud and someone was trying to cour-" *She thought Juna had finished her question but was mistaken. Juna's words hit a soft spot within her core, She didn't really know anyone else. It was Celeana's turn to cast her gaze downwards, the feeling of self-pity bubbling from within.* "I haven't really met anyone else. Besides, as annoying as you can be, you're decent company." *Celeana lifted her chin once more, her gaze locking onto Juna once more.* "Anyways, some drunken man was getting all grabby and decided to leave the tavern..." "Not without being called all types of names" *She said the last bit underneath her breath.* "Shall we continue, Princess?"
Heather
"As annoying as I can be-?"*Juna questioned in a baffled tone, half to herself. Wasn't Celeana the one following her around this whole time? The Canifor could at least feel a little bad about Celeana having to put up with people in the tavern with nowhere else to go, but her way about going things, Juna wasn't sure whether or not she had that coming to her. As she brought up the name thing, Juna would murmur under her breath:*"Must have been really annoying for you..."*She wasn't unable to fully say it aloud, but she felt it was karma at this point. Looking back over to Celeana she would say:*"There aren't any traps out there..."*A truth.*"And it'll probably be hard to find any prey out there as well..."*Another truth. Juna decided to be careful with her words, seeing as Celeana could easily turn them around from what information she gave. She wasn't fond of the thief, but she had to admit she was smart.*"It's better if you find somewhere to stay for the night... The forest gets dangerous around that time..."*A half truth.*
Howard
*Celeana just stared at Juna, something was off. Things did not add up at all. After all, Juna was the one going into the forest, at night, alone. Her gaze narrowed at the stretch of trees and then to Juna. Celeana tilted her head back and closed her eyes, re-processing everything their exchange so far. Places to stay, People, forest, danger, following, No traps or food. It was then, her eyes snapped open and she faced Juna, her gaze almost penetrating.* "The city isn't much better than the forest, I feel like far less can happen to me in the wild than in the city." *Without so much of a warning, she ran towards the forest's edge. She had a hypothesis on the situation though Juna's reaction would the defining factor.*
Heather
*Her eyes would widen as Celeana would rush off, quickly having to recollect herself to turn tail and chase after her.*"Celeana wait!"*She'd call out. Seeing his owner give pursuit, the Jackal would look up with newfound excitement before darting on ahead almost as if they were chasing down prey. In her haste, Juna wasn't sure what she could have said to get the thief to listen to her and eventually, the Canifor would find herself skidding to a stop. There was no way the Canifor was going to be able to chase the Elf all the way through the forest. The place was too big and too confusing for most.*
Howard
*Celeana stopped the moment Juna yelled, confirming her suspicions about the Canifor. Turning around and approaching the female, ignoring the concept of personal space. She only stopped when she could make out every strand of hair, every micro expression, even the Canifor's scent at this distance.* "What are you hiding in the forest?" *She asked plainly, no longer caring for the game of cat and mouse when it comes to questions.* " '..The forest gets dangerous'." *Quoting Juna's words as if they didn't make sense.* "Yet you're the one who came out here alone. Yes, I've been following you and I saw some suspicious looking people eyeing you as you passed them as well. I wouldn't be surprised if they were waiting at the entrances for your return. I wouldn't be surprised if they were bandits too." *There was no hint of amusement or her usual playful attitude about her this time.* "If it's that important, I can help you and whoever it is across the wall a different way."
Heather
*Juna's ears lowered as she tried to shrinking away from the questioning. She had lied once, it did not end well for her either, nearly leading to getting killed by an angry Vampiress.*"I'm hiding myself!"*She'd suddenly snap back to her when the Celeana's lack of space had grown to be too much for her. It wasn't exactly the answer she was meant to give, but in between trying to keep her camp hidden and pushing out the dangers there already were out here, somehow this was the outcome.*"I'm hiding away from people like them and more importantly, from people like you!"*Too late she realized that the things she said came out more insulting than she meant for it to be. Her heart raced, her breathing labored, for a moment the anxiety reaching her before her ears would eventually lower on her head. She didn't want the help, she didn't need the help, at least that's what she figured anyways. Juna could never feel safe with the thought of a rule breaker knowing her home inside and out, she already couldn't whenever bandits and other crooks stumbled upon her camp. She had a Jackal to take care of and a hatchling underway, but she couldn't even keep others at bay let alone be able protect an animal so helpless. She eyed the Elf, keeping her gaze lowered.*"No one will find me in the forest... I won't allow them to... And if you go in there... You'll be lost until daybreak..."
Howard
*Celeana simply stared at the Canifor, Listening to the pained words and reading into the unspoken ones as well. Taking a deep breath in through her nose before exhaling in a long drawn out breath. Celeana know what it feels like to be on the run or hiding from people who may or may not be there. She couldn't show herself around Irunia without the risk of being captured or killed on sight. Celeana raised her left hand and placed it upon Juna's right shoulder in, trying to comfort her.* "There, there. 'A person like me' won't follow you. I'll just.." *She looked behind her before pointing to a large tree at the edge of the forest.* "I'll lay there somewhere, in case they come searching for you." *With that she turned and walked towards the edge of the forest, feeling sorry for the young lady. She only made it a couple of steps before she whispered to herself, possibly loud enough Juna to hear.* "Daybreak can't find me, either." *She didn't look back until she reached the base of the large tree before pressing her back against the bark, facing the distant city gate they had both came from.*
Heather
*Juna would tense under the woman's touch, her fur standing on end before she would finally bring herself to move away. Only when the woman had started to walk away, would Juna say:*"A person like you did follow me..."*The Canifor would watch as the woman would lean against the bark of the tree, a look of distrust towards believing the woman wouldn't follow after her again the moment Juna's back was turned. Jace would come to a slow walk, gazing up at his owner in waiting as if she half expected her to do something only to be met with silence.*"If you want to rob me dry why don't you just do it and be on your way..."*Juna would ask. It was clear that the anticipation of it wore her down more than the actual act itself. It wasn't like she had much on her besides her weapons, clothing, and Jackal anyways. Maybe she didn't understand a thief's work in its own, too stuck on the idea of them to think they were anything more than Kleptomaniacs.*
Howard
*Celeana threw the hood of her cloak up before resting her head against the tree itself. She didn't feel like answering too much at the moment, it was always "Thief this" Or "Thief that" With this young Canifor. Another drawn out sign escaped her lips at the invitation to rob came.* "Again, I came to give you back your food. I did not come here to steal from you. If I wanted to steal from you, I would not have called out, I would've continued to follow until you reached wherever it is you are going. Maybe even wait for you to return like the bandits you passed earlier today. Then I would make my move. Instead, I called out, I came with a gift. Almost took an arrow by the looks of things." *Adding the sly comment in under her breath.* "Offer to assist in whatever it is you're doing and even to get you back in by a different means." *She had finished listing the events of today as well, much like yesterday.* "I don't know what you see me as, entirely. 'A person like me'. You hide constantly to survive and I gather resources." *Celeana looked up at the branches high above her head, gazing up at where the stars would've been if clouds didn't paint the sky. Hopefully it wasn't going to rain tonight of all nights.*
Heather
*Juna fell silent again, part of her couldn't help but feel bad for the unfairness in it. She supposed Celeana has only been helping for the most part really or as far as she knew anyways.*"...Thank you..."*She'd mumur ever so quietly. Juna would take a few steps into the forest, eventually gazing back at Celeana.*"It would be better for you to find a place in town to stay at..."*She'd say.*"If you really want to stay out in the forest... Then there's a small makeshift canopy if you head directly straight in. You'll know you hit there when you see a clearing and a few oversized leaves creating some cover near a pond..."*It wasn't her camp she was describing, however, the detail she used made it seem like she could have set up one there. It wasn't the case, instead merely a spot in the woods she had seen at some point in turn, most likely left by a traveler who decided to stray from the usual path path to set up camp for the night.*"Rain will be nearing..."*She'd say as if she alone could simply sense it, smell it maybe but Juna preferred not using her senses in that way.*"And I don't plan on staying out here for the night..."
Howard
*Celeana simply stared up at the clouds, Her suspicions being finalized by Juna's prediction. Only to look towards Juna as she described wonderful sounding clearing a little ways in. Her lip tugged upwards into a small smile.* "Thank you." *Though it would be counter-projective to move locations.* "I wouldn't be able to intercept if I move into forest though." *She looked back towards the entrance and squinted. Jumping to her feet and making her way back to Juna. Without hesitation she placed both hands onto the girl's back and pushed her into the forest. She wasn't sure if the people approaching were the bandits or guards, she didn't wait to find out.* "I'll stall for time, Run!" *Before turning her back to the girl and rushing out to greet the two figures who approached.*
Heather
*Juna would gaze at her, saying:*"You don't need to protect me... Or this place..."*She'd say to her solemnly.*"Protect yourself... And don't try to be a hero..."*The Canifor already nearly had to learn that the hard way. As Celeana would yell out to run, she'd whirl her gaze towards the bandits, her fur spiking up in their ability to sneak up on her. For a moment she had froze, eventually taking one last glance at Celeana before fleeing all together into the forest. With how dark the clouds were making the area, it made it harder and harder to see, all the more easier for Juna to vanish from sight into the trees beyond. She wasn't sure how Celeana planned to handle a pair of bandits on her own, but she knew one thing for certain, that she was leaving Celeana to fate almost at bad as the teammate she had abandoned. Juna was a coward, only brave when it ended up getting her nearly killed no matter what she. Celeana had chosen this however, and with it, Juna couldn't do anything but hide away as she promised she would.*
Howard
*Once Celeana was sure Juna was far enough away, she turned back to the two people. Unfortunately, she was correct. They're bandits. It was safe to say the meeting went rather well. After obtaining a black eye upon her left eye and bruised ribs she finally gave up the full coin pouch she carried with her everywhere. She didn't really care about the coin but she the fact they took her brand new cloak she spent the last few days stealing for was just brutal. They wanted to know where the other one went but Celeana had lied and told them she owed her money and everything she had was in the pouch. Thankfully, they only wanted materials and didn't come looking to claim a life. Using the trees as cover, she slowly made her way to the canopy the Canifor spoke about earlier, The forest was definitely safer than the town. At least animals are more predictable, attacking out of survival or to protect, not for monetary gains. It took way too much effort to scale a nearby tree, as breathing was painful as hell. Celeana knew she couldn't just lay on the ground near a pond, bodies of water were drinking grounds for all types of unwanted visitors, mainly predators. Finding a nice parting branch that could support her weight and was comfortable enough to nestle into before sighing up at the sky as rain began to fall.* "People like me.." *She said to herself, not entirely sure what kind of person she was, other than a thief.*
Heather
"Why did you do it...?"*Came a familiar voice from high above the thief. With how dark it was, it was impossible to see the Canifor from where she stood the branch without any motion to pick up, but from the sounds of it she was at least up in the trees somewhere, staring down at the thief. She may be easy to follow, but she was right about one thing: no one will find her in the forest if she didn't want them to. Her Jackal was nowhere to be seen, perhaps she had left him somewhere in her escape or had she possibly taken him elsewhere before coming here? It was hard to know. In the time they were apart, much could have happened.*
Howard
*Celeana carefully turned within her branch and started to scan the ground for where the voice came from. Was she hearing things, was the punch to her face messing with her head? After a thoroughly search of the forest ground she assumed her mind was playing pranks on her. It was painful to move, her achy body now throbbing against her side.* "Ow, Ow , Ow" *She whispered to herself as she placed her back against the tree once more. She looked up again at the rainclouds above. Even though she was looking directly at the hiding Canifor, she had no idea. It was all dark up there for her anyways. She wasn't sure how she'd sneak back into the city, the guard she had planned to bribe for Juna required coin, which she was now fresh out of.*
Heather
*Juna would watch the woman wander about, deciding it was best not to show herself again for the time being. She was nothing more than 'Lady' now, but a voice to travelers, most of which who would never see her anyways.*"You're hurt..."*She'd murmur, unable to help but feel this was partially her fault. Juna would have healed her if she could have. But that too had left with her magical capabilities, something she had learned to her own dismay.*"You should have fled..."*She'd continue. 'Like the thief you are.' Juna would repeat in her head, reminding herself of the troublemaker this person was.*"There was no reason for you to have gotten beaten for the sake of someone you hardly know..."
Howard
*At first Celeana was alarmed because the voice was not in her head, in fact she still had no idea where Juna was. Eventually she closed her eyes and just spoke out, not straining herself further to find Juna.* "I'll be alright, Just some bruised ribs and a black eye. I didn't really have anywhere else to run to, They would've chased me further into these woods and I probably would've gotten lost." *She chose to ignore the last part, It wasn't up to the Canifor to decide who was worth protecting or not.* "I told them that you were nobody, just someone who owed me a lot of money and the pouch was all I had. They didn't believe me but after thoroughly checking" *With no amount of disgust lingering within her attitude.* "They settled with beating me instead, probably because I don't know when to shut up sometimes." *A half-hearted laugh could be heard which was immediately replaced with a groan as her side really did hurt.* "But you sound as *'lovely'* As ever, Princess."
Heather
"It's-"*Juna paused, deciding there was no point in saying her name to this Elf. She'd only be called the same name every time anyways. A quiet sigh left her as she'd lean against the branch, small droplets of water falling on her front where the leaves couldn't create enough of a roofing over her.*"You never answered my original question..."*She'd say back to the Elf after a long moment of silence with the only filler being that of the rain landing around them.*
Howard
*She began the poke the swelling of her right eye, and wincing at the pain that shot back in return.* "It's Juna, I know, I remember your name. I forgot the other one th- Where is the other one?" *She looked down at the forest floor again, this time searching for an annoying Jackal that was never too far behind his owner* "Is he okay too?" *Realizing she was hopeless when it came to searching at night, the trees above blocked almost all rays of moonlight and everything far too dark.* "You ask a lot of questions for someone who doesn't give answers, has anyone told you that? Here I am all wounded and hurt, and you can't even make an appearance. I guess a 'person like me' deserves it, right?" *She didn't mean to snap at Juna, but pain does that to people. On the grand scale of things, surviving a bandit attack is pretty fortunate. After a few seconds of quiet and plenty of guilt she spoke once more* "I didn't mean for the tone." *It was the closest she'll get without blatantly saying "I'm sorry"*
Heather
"Jace is safe..."*Juna would murmur, her tail passively wrapping itself around her. She supposed that Celeana had a point about her hardly answering any questions, avoiding them so much up close to where she ended up answering none of them in her anxiousness. Now, up in the trees, there was an everlasting feeling of calm. She felt better hidden, always did with the lack of risking getting attacked. Juna took a moment to think about it, saying a quiet:*"It's okay... I deserved it..."*Towards Celeana's semi-apology. Folding her hands in her lap, she would say:*"I will answer any one question of yours if you answer mines..."
Howard
"That sounds fair." *She said as she reached to throw her hood over her moonlit coloured hair just to find there was no hood behind her anymore. It felt as if the world grew colder as a reminder how bare her arms and neck were to the elements.* "What is your questions then?" *Celeana asked, assuming the question to be something frivolous. Her began to growl as a reminder that she was feeling hungry and she let out a muffled cry. Why did she have to be hungry now on top of everything else right now. Reaching into her pouch in hopes of something to snack on but it was empty aside for a few rocks she had placed in case she needed to create a distraction.*
Heather
*Juna would sit in silence, not necessarily having to take too long to come up with at least one single question. Night was becoming cold and with it, she was eventually bounded to fleeing away, so for now, only really one question lingered on her mind.*"Why did you do it...?"*She would repeat in the night air. The question wasn't very detailed, not even specifying what 'it' was, but the Canifor would soon go quiet once more in waiting.*
Howard
*Celeana gritted her teeth, She assumed the question was "Why did you save someone you hardly know." And the answer was because she was alone in the world. She's been dashing from city to city with no real rhyme or reason for so long. It was lonely.* "I've enjoyed our time together despite you being absolutely repulsed by me. I'm tired of being alone, Tired of having nowhere to go, nobody to laugh with, nobody to lean on." *She thought about continuing further though she disliked having her emotions out there as much as the next person. The life she was forced to live preyed upon the weak, and she had to adapt. Needing to not come off as an easy target or she wouldn't have made it this far.* "You're at least level headed and I suppose I wanted to preserve things like that in the world." *The original reason was closer to the truth, she was too selfish to realistically think about the world which tossed her a horrible hand in life. Though, thoughts of 'The world needs better people' were appearing more often as the years passed.*
Heather
*Juna didn't seem respond for a while, her head merely dipping at the thought of someone needing a friend this much. In a cruel world like this, it was true one way or another, Juna simply tried to go about it the best way she could, by avoiding trouble when possible. The Canifor didn't see herself being much use to this person, hardly someone to lean on as, when it came down to it, Juna had left her altogether. She's wasn't someone to trust to lean on. At the end of the day, she feared her own safety over most things in this world and it was that selfishness that left her cowering here, out of the sight of others to be able to do anything.*"That's all I wanted to know..."*She'd say, suddenly turning around as if she were preparing for her own departure.*"You may ask question you have from me..."
Howard
*Celeana shook her head, mainly to herself before shutting her eyes. She was fully prepared to sleep in the rain tonight. Hoping the trees above would provide enough cover and that the storm was quick and light.* "I don't have any questions." *She lied, She had plenty of questions though she didn't want to know out of obligations. She'd rather find out in a more healthy friendship or relationship of that nature than here upon this tree. Juna's words kept replaying in her head though. 'People like you, People like you.' It certainly hit a chord inside her chest.* "I hope you find your way back peacefully, it's getting to be pretty chill out here." *Celeana grabbed onto her branch and scaled down the tree. She was going to try and make it back as well but ended up walking in the direction that lead farther into the forest instead of away.*
Heather
*Juna would watch the Elf walk off, surprised at the sudden lack of questioning in comparison to just earlier today. Celeana seemed to be walking further into the forest which Juna wasn't quite sure where she was planning to go. Surely she'd just end up more lost out here.*"If you're still here by sunrise..."*She began.*"Look for two sets of footprints..."*Juna stood up to begin heading off in her own direction. She had already lingered too much out here and with al the rainfall, she'd be soaked by the time she got back to the house.*"It will lead you to a nice lake..."*Juna already knew it was pound to be muddy by the next morning, planning on it anyways and with it, brought easy tracking save for the lack of scents to follow.*
Howard
*Celeana stopped where she was and looked around, she really didn't want to be out here like this.* "Can I just follow you back instead, Maybe I'll find someone to..." *She trailed off, she wasn't going to find anyone that'd take a look at her wounds for free. At best she'd be ask to do things she'd much rather not do in return.* "Thank you." *Is all she ended up saying before walking further in the direction she faced, using trees and branches nearby to help navigate the woodland terrain. This night would probably one of the worse night she has had since escaping Irunia.*
Heather
*Juna only caught about half of what she said, hearing her cut herself off before murmuring a thank you and trailing off. Turning away Juna would begin to make her way along the branches, picking back through the forest with her odd ability to see somewhat well in the night. Soon enough, she too would find her way out the forest, leaving the Elf to her own once more.*
Howard
*Celeana awoke the next morning with possibly one of the worst headaches in her life. She was entirely dazed other than the constant throbbing from her eye and on her temples. Not only that, she had absolutely no idea where she was and her hair was dirty all over again. On the side she had slept on was caked with wet mud, including her hand. Rolling onto her butt before kneeling in the mud and then finally onto her feet. The only thing going for her was the fact her own footprints were still visible in the mud. At least she had a way to get back to the tree she vaguely remembered. Upon her right arm, the arm not currently covered in mud she saw thin scabs and dried blood on her arm. Celeana figured she probably walked through bushes and branches to get to wherever..'here' was. It felt like hours before she reached the tree using her own prints and from there she found a different set of prints. She followed these new prints next, assuming they were Juna's and her companion.*
Heather
*Following the prints, it would seem to take her on a long windy trail, occasionally coming towards the edge of the forest where the roads were before heading right back into the center of the forest once more. The trees stretched on forever it seemed, leaving it a wonder of how there could possibly be a lake all the way out here, but sure enough, the woodland would begin to thin out around her, soon leading to a dip in the earth that opened up to a sandy beach down below. The gravelly terrain seemed to be fairly wet from the rain the day before, but the Canifor from earlier could be seen near the waters edge, her Jackal splashing about in the open water while she remained knelt down with a cloth in her hands, trying to soak up what water she could from the waves as they came close to shore as her back remained turned towards the Elf.*
Howard
*Celeana made her way onto the beach without so much of a word from her, heading straight for the lake. Upon arrival she kneeled down at the shore before drawing her face close to the water. To anyone else it looked as if she was going to drink from the lake until she turned her head to side and allowed her mud stained hair into the water and began scrubbing at herself. A dark brown cloud of mud spread underneath the surface and expanded outwards as her hair began to resemble moonlight once more. Her confidence was entirely energy based and right now, she had no energy. Once her hair was as free of dirt as she could make it, she started upon her arms until only cuts and scabs remained. Once she was finished washing herself, if anyone can call this washing, she looked at the Canifor.* "Hi." *Was all she said in flat tone, trying to be somewhat respectful still.*
Heather
*Juna would wring out the cloth in her hand, shifting the bag she had brought with her off her back as she'd turn to look over at Celeana in hearing her greeting. The Canifor didn't respond, looking Celeana over as her injuries became more easy to see with the mud now washed away. She could tell it had probably been a rough night for her as while she had been left wallowing in the mud, the Canifor appeared more clean refreshed. Juna would pat at the sand beside her as if asking for Celeana to come sit near her.*
Howard
*At the silent invitation she stood up and walked towards the Canifor, taking a seat beside her. Celeana placed her elbow against her knee and placed her cheek into her open palm. She didn't really want to be looked at right now that's just how pathetic she thought she looked right now. As much as she wanted to remain like this, being hunched over just made her ribs hurt, in fact everything made her ribs hurt. Giving up on trying to stay somewhat clean she laid down in the sand, her hair now golden with how easily sand clung to her wet hair. Only in this lying position did breathing hurt less, never really going away but at least this was bearable.*
Heather
"I'm sorry for what happened yesterday..."*Juna would murmur as she'd watch her Jackal splash about in the water. Reaching into her bag, she'd take out a small kit from it.*"And I'm sorry I cannot do much for your injuries... I used to be able to heal... At the slightest touch..."*She'd murmur with a quiet sigh, almost as if she were talking to herself before eventually turning to look back at Celeana where she laid down in the sand.*"But I'm afraid I've lose the ability to do that... My...*Friend* However... Let me borrow this... May... I see your arms...?"*She'd ask.*
Howard
*She laid there quietly, listening. All she wanted to do was lay beside the lake, listening to the sound of water's ebb and flow. At the request of her arm, she raised it straight up. She could see Juna in her peripherals which ended in Celeana's hand finding the sand behind Juna. Celeana's fingers drifted up Juna's back until she found her shoulder. Now that she knew exactly where Juna sat, she extended her arm in front of the female. Nearly all the small scrapes on her arm looked had redness around the wounds, an early sign of infection. It wasn't until well after Juna had spoken her piece that Celeana replied.* "It's fine." *Was all she gave in consolation, although they both knew things were not fine.*
Heather
*Juna would slowly take Celeana's arm, rubbing the damp cloth along it in silence as some of the blood would make its way in to the thin sheet. She gave a slight shake of her head at the reply, rinsing the cloth once more before wiping at her arm again and turning to open up the kit. It seemed have small things like bandages and others of the like, but instead of taking what was inside it, she would turn to her bag and dig through before pulling out a handful of blue colored berries, easy to mistake for blueberries, but they were much different. She would hold a few out to Celeana to take, saying:*"Here... They were... Really hard to find just out of season but... They may help a little..."
Howard
*Celeana's head turned, It didn't really matter what was being offered, She didn't like to accept things out of pity. All she saw was something blue, then her head turned back in refusal.* "Keep them." *She said, still with the absences of her usual feistiness that was present the past two days. She couldn't get out of her own head. She always hit road bumps such as these. Something that tripped her up and it took a while for her to get standing once more. Times like these is when she wished another was there for her, even if she's entirely blind to current situation. Using the hand on her free arm, she began poking the bruise that circled her eye. She wanted to go back into the city and steal the supplies she needed, wanted to once again try and obtain a cloak that would hide the majority of her features from prying eyes.*
Heather
*Juna would stare at her for a while, eventually retracting the berries and deciding to use some of them for the open wounds instead as she applied the juices from them onto her arm. She wasn't sure if it would fully prevent the infection, but she'd at least hope it would num away some of the pain even if not consumed. Eventually she'd grab at the bandages, wrapping it around her arm with what little experience Juna had with using them, only making sure they were wrapped enough to stay on for the time being. With what was left the berries, she'd place them into the hand Celeana wasn't using, saying:*"They'll help with the pain if you ever decide to eat them. I won't make you though... I wouldn't either..."*She'd close up the kit and place it back in the bag before leaning back in the sand.*
Howard
*Celeana brought the berries to her mouth and ate them all at once. For whatever reason she thought it would have a fruity flavor but she was mistaken. It had to have been one of the most foul tasting berry she ever ate before in her left. She realized her mistake after biting into one of the berries and it's juices filled her mouth. It was warm, it had the texture of mucus. It was bitter as all hell too. Celeana's face puckered up with disgust and she turned her head to look at Juna with a look that said. "If you wanted me to leave, you could've just asked." Written all over it. She had to even pinch her nose to help dull the taste. On top of all everything else so far, it numbed her mouth as well.* "Princess, what the hell were those?" *A glimpse of her humor returning as the pain throughout her body slowly eased*
Heather
*She'd look at her with a rather calm expression, a lack of amusement coming from her.*"Juniper berries..."*She'd answer.*"They... May be a bit bitter but... They can help for potential sickness... And... Keep the pain at bay... It's... Not their main use but... I don't know of many berries and... It was hard to find them alone..."*Juna would eventually stand back up, brushing the sand off of her and flicking the smaller grains with a whisk of her tail.*"It's... All I can really do to help heal your injuries..."
Howard
*Celeana jumped to the conclusion that the Canifor had other things to attend to now. Turning her head back to face to sky as she closed her eyes once more, trying to find a way to relax now that her pain was subdued.* "Just tell me how to get back to town." *Figuring that the Juna would rather travel alone than be caught walking into town with someone like her.* "Thanks for help." *She added, the field medicine was was helping more than she thought it would have.*
Heather
*Juna would pick up her bag and throw it over her shoulders, glancing towards Celeana as she would ask how to return to town.*"Simply follow the trail we've already created. Take my tracks back to the canopy and head straight the way you originally came. That will lead you to the fields... From there head left for a while until you find the main roads... They will lead you to town..."*She'd explain before clicking her tongue to call her Jackal over. Jace would turn his head, graceful swimming his way back to his owner before running along the beach, his wet fur flinging droplets everywhere. Hearing Celeana say thanks, Juna would respond.*"You're welcome... And... Stay safe..."*It was similar to what she had once said to a certain Vampiress before she had left her to fight on her own. She wasn't sure of what state she was currently in nor was she even sure of the Treton was still alive, but she hoped so. It was all she could do really nowadays.*