Philip
*Sonja paused for a moment to ponder over these words as they continued to head along through the forest. It was clear that the topic had had an effect on Shaw. But that in and of itself was not enough to deter the stoic Ursinoid, who had soon found her tongue.*

"...A poacher who doesn't like breaking the law, you say?" *She repeated with a soft chuckle, apparently amused by the paradox. Of course, it was easy enough to say one disagreed with the idea of owning land. And by that logic, no one could be a poacher. Be Sonja suspected that wouldn't stop the nobles whose land was being poached from stringing up the offenders as criminals.*

*Another pause.*

"What had you move on from that?" *The Ursinoid raised an eyebrow, giving Shaw a glance.*
Brent
*He rolled his eyes at the use of the word poacher even after his beliefs being stated but with a heavy breath in and out he kept his composure. He simply nodded his head so as to confirm her query. Not wishing to entertain it beyond that and especially not with words. His jaw seemed clenched and lips tight as if he was forcing himself to be silent.*

*Whilst the silence hung above the two he just kept this expression, although overtime it did relax. Once she had asked her next question however he seemed happy to change the topic and answer.* "...Adventure, travel, and learning" *Speaking the worlds smoothly as if that particular line was rehearsed.* "I wished to es-escape village life" *He finally shrugged off the matter, thinking he'd said enough*
Philip
*The silent nod from Shaw served as confirmation of Sonja's assertion. Though she didn't acknowledge it with much more than a chuckle. It seemed the topic had further agitated her companion. Best to change topics, she thought. The Ursinoid raised an eyebrow at the response to her other question. It sounded rather rehearsed. Was that how Shaw really felt? Or was there more to it than that? But Sonja wasn't about to question his words so blatantly.*

"Those are admirable aims." *She concluded with a nod, sniffing the air while continuing to guide them along an unmarked path through the forest.* "What about village life was not to your liking?" *Sonja wondered aloud. Frankly, she thought she might have been content with something like that, had circumstances not forced her to where she was now.*
Brent
*He seemed happier now with just talking about his aims. They certainly made him seem more relaxed as he walked along following Sonja through the forest. Just when he seemed to start enjoying the sights around she asked her question about village life. Smile faltering his pace slowed down significantly upon hearing that. As if the thought put into answering the question needed enough focus that he couldn't even concentrate on walking. Eyes holding a blank look for a few seconds before his expression became one of discomfort. He quickly corrected his pace and carried on moving like normal. His expression almost forcibly moulded into a poker face.* "S'private" *Was his only word on the matter.*
Philip
*The change in Shaw certainly didn't go unnoticed by Sonja. Not only did his expression change—he smelled uncomfortable. Not wanting to press the issue, the Ursinoid simply nodded and continued along towards the boarder. Maybe Shaw's life as a poacher had caught up with him? Perhaps he felt too much guilt about his work? Sonja wasn't sure, but didn't pry further.*

*They were close now. The scent of wilderness and beastkin had become stronger. The scent of guards and soldiers were behind them. Just a bit further and Sonja expected to send the liberated slaves on their way towards freedom in the warlord realm.* "...We're almost through the worst of it."
Brent
*He looked back towards the rescued slaves and studied them. Thinking about their situation he couldnt help but frown. He realised that the 'rescuing' part wasnt quite what their job was intended to be. Weighing the scales in his head he wondered wether this action would go unnoticed or not by the superiors and leaders of this campaign. He hoped not.*

*Eyes wandering over towards the wilderness ahead of them seemed to relax his thoughts. He couldnt help but slow down every now and then to admire the various wild flowers. He made sure to point out ones he particularly liked* "Beautiful country... I like it h-here"
Philip
"...Yes. I used to live around here. Spring is always lively and colorful." *Sonja stated with a nod, continuing at her usual speed. She slowed only as necessary to not leave Shaw far behind.* "If only it was as peaceful as it is beautiful."

*Finally, Sonja came to a halt, sniffing the air. They seemed to be far enough inside warlord territory that it was safe to let the liberated Ursinoids go the rest of the way on their own.* "This is it." *She announced, directing the ex-slaves towards the nearest beastkin settlement.* "There should be a friendly town a few miles that way. I can smell it. Best of luck to you all."

*And so the Ursinoid bid them farewell, watching as the headed off towards the direction she had indicated. That was that. Soon enough, it was just Sonja and Shaw. The Ursinoid turned to head back the way they had come.*
Brent
*Unfamiliar with beastkin formalities he simply waved goodbye to the rescued slaves. Not wanting to look foolish by overstepping. He wouldnt be surprised if some would treat him with suspicion for looking like their captors. Stopping ge watched as the throng of Ursinoids go off into the wilderness. For but a moment he looked out at the horizon and tried to appreciate the sky. It was close to sun set and itd certainly be dark by the time they got back to Sivne and Carlyn. He didnt seem worried though. Looking over at Sonja he decided to ask a question of his own.* 

"W-what makes you fight?...Worlds large enough to avoid... Itd be e-Itd be easy to live peacefully in secret?"
Philip
"..."

*Sonja said nothing for a long moment, slowly turning her icy blue gaze onto Shaw. The question betrayed an amount of naivety that the Ursinoid hadn't quite been prepared to confront. Luckily for Shaw, she had been in a good mood and wasn't about to recount the trauma inflicted on her people.*

"...It *Wouldn't* Be easy." *She grumbled.* "Perhaps a small nomadic tribe could accomplish it. But good luck hiding the entire population of a city." *She didn't bother to answer that first question. Hadn't he seen the slaves? No one wanted to end up in such a situation.*

*With that, Sonja began walking back the way they had come, retracing their steps towards Upper Mentian territory. She motioned for Shaw to follow. There was no time to be wasted. If they took too long it might seem suspicious.*
Brent
*He waited for the answer. For a moment he thought it might not come. Either way he appreciated being able to stop walking if just for a few seconds. When her answer did come he looked slightly disappointed. He simply sighed and stretched his legs. Taking one last look towards the Ursinoids now disappearing over the horizon before he turned around and began to follow Sonja back towards civilisation.*

*As they began to return he simply kept his eyes forward as he occasionally hummed a repetitive sounding tune. Whatever the song was it was probably one best sung instead of idly mused like he is doing now. The activity did seem to put a smile on Shaw's face though. As if he was doing it to lighten the mood of the walk back.*
Philip
*It didn't seem that Sonja planned to freely volunteer any additional information. And so they continued along towards Upper Mentia. The Ursinoid was content to let Shaw sing his tunes—they seemed to help cheer him up and liven the atmosphere. Sonja eventually altered course for where their inn was located. Soon the sun had begun to set.*

"...We're almost back." *Sonja announced.* "Thank you for the company."
Brent
*As they began to make their way back he seemed quite pleased with it being close to dusk. Once Sonja thanked him for the company he seemed surprised. Unclear as to why but he chuckled in response. He bowed his head, notably lower than he did upon first meeting her or when addressing their mutual employer Ayana Tesfaye. Once he was back upright he looked at her with those usual bright green eyes.* "A thousand thanks... And a thousand f-fond farewells. Good night Boss. Until morning" 

*A small wave was given and with that he'd changed course for which way he was walking. It seemed he had plans to go off and do something tonight. As he began walking off into the growing darkness of dusk Sonja would see blond hairs begin to grow on the back of his neck and arms. Turning into some sort of animal as he went.*
Philip
*Sonja gave Shaw a simple nod in response. She was tired from all the walking and eager to get some rest. After waving farewell to her companion, she retired to the inn and soon fell asleep.*