PM to join [The Bronze Woods]Stealth is not an innate skill

[Milartek]

The cat and warrior eyed each other sizing one another up, muscles twitching in anticipation. To Milartek it looked just like an overgrown cat, long sharp claws and fierce pointy teeth to boot. But to one that knew what this animal was, and how big they were when fully grown, it would be clear that this was still young and not yet fully grown.

Not that any of that crossed the young warriors mind, all he could focus on were the sharp claws and rather large teeth.

And the fact it was now hurtling through the air at him.

He jumped to the side and nearly lost his balance as his left foot skidded in the mud underneath him. He steadied himself his left arm going down to the floor, and slashed wildly at the air in front of him with his Lakan. This gave him space to regain his stance just in time for the beast to dash forwards and swipe at his left thigh, claws extended with purpose.

His left leg shot back so now his right was in front and he slashed down with his lakan, feeling it slash and bounce of the paw. He was rewarded with a rather satisfying howl of pain. But the thrill was short lived as the flesh wound had merely served to anger the beast.

Again he slashed at the air, trying to put it off. It started to circle him, and backed off, disappearing behind a tree for a moment, only to re-emerge the other side, running at full pelt.

Milartek went to take a step backwards, but as his foot landed on the floor it rolled awkwardly only a branch causing him to fall flat on his arse and to drop is Lakan on the forest floor. He was not used to fighting in the forest, or having to watch what he stepped on, and it had forced him to make a crucial mistake.

The beast was almost on him now, a glint of victory in its eyes. Milartek had a vague idea of what he was going to do, but he had to time it well or he would surly die. There was no time to run away so he had to take the risk.

Just as the creature launched itself at him he lent backwards, head still up but arms braced on either side, forearms and palms flat on the ground and bent at the elbow. He then lifted both legs up, slightly bent, and aimed for what he hoped was the cats shoulders, but it was all just a blur to him.

As he felt impact on his legs he rocked backwards, back going flat to the ground and back of head hitting the ground with a little force. His legs bent and then hardened as he cushioned the pressure and then pushed against it. He felt sharp pain reverberate up his right thighs, presumably were the creatures claws had dug in.

Just as instantly as he felt the pressure, it was gone. His desperate plan had worked. But the cat would still be on the offensive.

His heart was thumping, and his whole body had begun to ache, the fight from earlier taking its toll, combined with the excursion he was now giving it. He was starting to stress. The cat had been pushed of but as he lifted his aching head again he could see it already approaching again. He was in a vulnerable situation, he didn't have his lakan and he was nearing exhaustion.

And what about the petching hunter! Where was he! He seemed to be confident with the bow earlier, so what was wrong now? Had he turned to cowardice and fled? He didn't seem the type to do that, did he?

The confidence was slowly draining out of him, replaced with worry and self doubt. Not what he needed right now.

And Artek took advantage of those feelings to take control. He was confident, even if his 'brother' wasn't. He knew his body and even in the state it was in he knew that he could prevail. And he didn't need any help from that arrowslinger.

The creature approached more cautiously and Artek aimed a kick with his left foot at its snout, which connected with a satisfy thud. He glanced quickly to his left, searching for his Lakan, but before he could properly see the beast had approached again, this time with a swipe to his right leg and he raised it quickly wincing in pain from the laceration on it.

Another quick kick to its snout allowed him a glance to his left which reveled what he was looking for. His laken, only a just out of arms reach. The creature had skulked cautiously around to the warriors right, his injured side, and was just about to dash at his torso when something slammed into its rear causing it to tumble over to its left.

Waiting no time wondering what had happened Artek rolled one full rotation to his left, grunting at his aching torso and leg, but adrenaline giving him the strength to ignore both. Now in reach his left hand grasped his Lakan, pleased to feel its familiar weight again.

He pushed himself to his feet, as quickly as his injured leg could manage, and turned to face the now howling cat. It had managed to haul itself to its feet, but it was in a sorry state. The arrow had pierced its hind with great force and it appeared that it couldn't put any wight on its left leg and its right shook pitifully.

Artek bared his teeth in a fierce determined smile. Your mine

He could put pressure on his left leg, but it ached each time he did, so he slowly approached and paced his lakan to his right and favored hand. The cat tried to limp towards him but stumbled and stopped its efforts, just staring and growling eyes full of knowing and terror.

It gave a feeble swipe at him when he was close enough but lost its balance half way through, due to the fact it was now on two legs and the young animal had used its left paw in its fear, and collapsed in a heap at the warriors mercy.

One quick hobble and the warrior was in front of it. He kept his left leg as straight as he could and lent down on his right, the lakan coming down and sliding through the animals skull with a sickening crunch and a wet sucking noise.

Artek slumped back falling onto his arse again, leaving the Lakan were it was, exhausted with the pain increasing as adrenaline wore off. It was only then that he registered what the arrow meant and he yelled out furiously into the air, eyes not moving from the arrow:

"What the petch took you so long!

oocSorry its quite long but wanted to give Milartek/Artek a bit of a struggle. Loved your reaction gave me a challenge! P.S. Hope your medical skills are ok! Wound in leg is not too deep though.

[Roderick]

The lynx was moving towards the Akalak with some amount of caution; the warrior kicked out at its face with his boot, which connected with a loud thump. Glancing around Milartek seemed to be searching for a weapon. Distracted as he was he wasn't able to escape from the lynx's next attack and a small stream of red began flowing down his leg from where his skin had been torn open. With a second kick he bought some time to look away in the same direction - towards the blade he'd been carrying earlier, Roderick didn't doubt. As the archer was readying a shot the beast had been making a move towards the Akalak, aiming to charge him. Before it could its back legs buckled from the arrow that became embedded in them. Thankfully the warrior didn't bother asking questions about the creature's state and instead quickly made his way to the left, seizing hold of his blade and whirling around to face the animal again. Roderick half thought about making another shot but his balance wavered again and he decided to leave the kill for the Akalak; if he couldn't even slay a crippled beast he'd be useless as a hunter. The grin the warrior fixed the beast with was a rather strange thing - darker and more aggressive than any look Milartek had made before. While his approach was slow and halting - on account of the bloody gashes in his leg - the warrior soon loomed over the beast and, kneeling down beside it he plunged his weapon into its head, ending the fight. Milartek fell backwards and panted for a few tics, gaining his bearings. Then he saw the arrow buried in the lynx and he angrily roared out into the air, "What the petch took you so long!" The archer had taken the time to gather the arrows he could find while also setting his his longbow and purloined shortbow on his back. When the warrior shouted the question Roderick looked over at him calmly, the moment of disorientation almost completely over. "I cracked my head off something thanks to your antics earlier." He turned his back on the Akalak and knelt beside the dead hunter, "Next time don't throw yourself on me - I can handle myself just fine." He stopped and sighed softly to himself, then added, "The concern's appreciated anyway..." He slid his arms beneath the corpse and started lifting it up into his arms, feeling the muscles in his arms working for a moment as he held up the dead weight. "...Thank you for the help today, Milartek. That thing would've peeled me like an apple if you hadn't shoved me out of the way." He hoped that by offering his thanks to the Akalak he could smooth over relations between the two; Roderick was quite simply feeling angry with himself over failing to spot the lynx sooner, and also for not killing it sooner. In a way he felt that it reflected poorly on his skill as a hunter. With a tired sigh Roderick shifted the weight of the dead man and half turned towards the Akalak, "Stay here and rest for a bit, if you want. I'm taking this fellow back to the city. I'll be back for you if you're staying." With a final nod towards the warrior he started walking away, leaving the Akalak to his own devices; he didn't care if Milartek followed him just then - he'd honour his word and come back for him later. Right now the hunter just wanted to get rid of the slowly rotting body in his arms so he could clear the day's events from his mind.

[Milartek]

His antics? If it was up to him then he wouldn't have bothered saving the hunter! He had seemed rude all day anyway! And the lynx would have been easier to kill if it was feasting on his flesh. But before he could think of a sarcastic enough retort the hunter had back tracked and was now being considerate.

And after another pause he was even being appreciative! Artek would have respected him more if he had stuck to his guns and carried on with his angst. That would have shown backbone.

Artek just ignored him and looked down at his leg, giving it a tentative flex. It was stiff and stung a little but fortunately it didn't seem as bad he had thought originally. Now the adrenaline was wearing through he body his blood did not flow as freely and the cuts only looked slightly past skin deep. He would probably still need to go see a doctor to get them cleaned. Maybe.

Anyway the most important thing now was to get his prized back to the city. He wanted both the overgrown cat and the wolf, but feared both might be too much for him. With his lakan he cut the bottom of his trouser off, it was torn anyway by the beast, and folded it into a rough rectangle. Then he held it onto the cut, sucking the air through his teeth as it stung him, and lashed it on as tight as he could bare with the rope the hunter had given him.

It was rough, very rough, but it would do. He hauled himself up, tucked the lakan back into his belt, and tested his leg. It ached a little but he could walk well enough on it. Besides he was an Akalak warrior and this was but a scratch. He grabbed the cat by the midsection and heaved it up onto his right shoulder and tried to walk in the direction Roderick had gone. He would come back for the wolf.

After a chime it was clear that the combat and the wound had taken his toll on him, and despite his wishes, he lowered the beast to the floor. But Artek was determined he would get some prize out of today and grasped the cats back legs and started dragging it slowly towards the city.

[Roderick]

The Akalak did not immediately show any particular anger towards Roderick, and so he assumed that he had placated by warrior. He wasn't in the mood for dealing with an offended dullard - a large blue one carrying a big knife least of all. Turning his attention to the injury on Milartek's leg the hunter gave it a brief look and quickly dismissed it; nothing to be overly worried about - just a scratch. The blood seeping into the warrior's trousers would be more dangerous to them; along with the corpses they were carrying it would attract any predators in the area. Having already felt the effects on lingering too long in the wood, Roderick decided to ignore his companion for the time being as he made his way towards the city, which gradually began to loom up before them. Adjusting his grip on the body, he began to think over how exactly the knights would react to the sight of a man carrying corpse. He hadn't really thought about the consequences that might be involved with bringing the dead hunter back to the city. Now that he was thinking about them he was having second thoughts about actually walking up to the knights like this. Perhaps it was for the best if they just left it lying near the city, so someone else could come across it. Ignoring his companion for the time being as he made his way towards the city, gradually looming up before them, he adjusted his grip on the body in his arms and continued on with all due haste. Behind him he heard the Akalak stop, of only for a moment. Turning slightly, though not stopping, he saw that Milartek was having troubles with the lynx's body, but rather than asking for them to stop he just started dragging it. Roderick approved of the action; they couldn't afford to linger around here any longer. Doing so had already gotten them into trouble - he wanted to avoid another fight. A chime or so before they were ready to break through the treeline the hunter lost his nerve and, veering off to the left, he deposited the body near a tree and continued on "If the knights catch us with him there'll be questions to answer - I'm not in the mood for that. He's someone else's problem now." Without looking back at Milartek Roderick walked on towards the city, leaving the dead hunter behind. The body would rot and be eaten by wild animals, but all the wishful thinking in the world wouldn't spare them if the knights decided to begin questioning them. It was just a corpse. Nothing more, nothing less.

[Milartek]

With the hunter taking point the two made their way back towards the safety of the walled city. Artek was brooding about the combat. If he had been able to take control sooner then maybe they wouldn't have got this petching cut. Still he had at least proved to that hunter that he was more than capable of taking down beasts without using a cowards weapon.

As they walked on his mind and eyes wondered. It was still wet and the mud was starting to annoy him as it spread itself all over his boots and up his legs. It was getting colder, his wet muddy clothes not helping the situation. To be honest the situation was boring Artek and he finally gave into the nagging probing thoughts that were Milartek and slowly sloped back allowing him control.

Milartek was annoyed that he had lost control of his body and vowed to try harder to suppress Artek. It was just harder in stressful situations. His mind was soon distracted by the young hunter veering off track and depositing the body. AT first Mialrtek thought that he was just having a rest before they made the final walk back to the city, but it soon became clear that he intended to leave the body.

"If the knights catch us with him there'll be questions to answer - I'm not in the mood for that. He's someone else's problem now".

The words cut through the young warrior like a knife and his mood soon turned back to anger. How dare he try and rid himself of the responsibility that was now his. He didn't mind robbing the corpse of anything useful whilst it suited him but now it was an inconvenience he could easily discard it?

That was not how it worked.

The lynx was now discarded and he angrily half hobbled half walked the distance to the hunter. He yanked the hunter by the shoulder spinning him round his lakan grasped in his right hand and pointing directly at his neck. His eyes bore into the young man. If looks could kill he would be deceased.

"You will not leave that man there to be ravaged by time and animals. You found him and when it suited you, you pilfered his items. You have a responsibility to that man to honor his death and give him the burial he deserves. If you are worried about the knights then you are more of a coward than I thought. If they dare ask he was killed by the Lynx that I am carrying. My wound is evidence we fought and killed the beast".

"Now go and pick him up. I won't ask twice"

[Roderick]

The Akalak was struggling more and more as time went on, his wound aggravated and sore as they drew closer to the city. A distinct thud began to fill the air as Milartek's strides became heavier and louder on one side, a quiet grunt escaping him each time he pressed down too roughly on his injured leg. When the open fields were a few metres away from them Roderick broke away for a moment to lay the dead man on the ground and inform the warrior of the general idea involved with the action. Unsurprisingly a hand roughly spun him around angrily and pressed a sharp knife against his throat. Roderick had been in this position a few times. I'm going to kill the next person that does this to me. Milartek's eyes were like nails being hammered into the hunter's skull; he was more than aware of how close he stood to being killed right now, but all the same he looked at the blade in front of his face with an almost disinterested look, as though he were extremely bored. Pilfered is such a strong word... His heart hammered against his ribs even as he gave a slight smirk and raised an eyebrow at the Akalak. "What're you going to do, kill me? We can explain that." He gestured to the corpse with his head. "How are you going to explain me? 'I swear, ser, he fell on my knife!'" Finding amusement in all this was a rather stupid thing to do, but it kept him from trembling like a leaf. Still, he supposed there was no use in arguing any more. Time to hand ourselves over to the knights. Grand idea, Mil. Perfect, really. "Alright, big fellow, we'll do it your way." Turning away Roderick's eyes showed the dark rage that was boiling inside at the Akalak's words; fair enough about burying the poor fool, but threatening someone because they wouldn't bury a corpse was the mark of an idiot. Arms snaking beneath the corpse he raised him from the ground and started off again towards the city, this time making sure he was walking too quickly for Milartek to keep up. Laboured breathing and heavy steps were his way of getting back at the warrior; he let nature bring discomfort. Drawing ever closer to the city he felt annoyed with what had just happened; was avoiding any dealings with the knights really too much to ask? It wasn't like the hunter would get a grand funeral, anyway... One knight spotted them before any of the others and immediately called them out to his companions. As Roderick - and Milartek, who was a little further back - drew near they watched them closely, unsure exactly of the circumstances involved with how the man in the Zeltivan's arms had been killed. Laying the corpse down Roderick took a step back and tossed the coin pouch and pendant he'd found on the body to the nearest knight, while another came forwards to inspect the body. "The lynx got to him." He explained, letting the sight of the injured Akalak and his burden serve as proof of what he'd just said.

[Milartek]

Perhaps his words had been rash and ill thought but the hunters actions and words had really bugged him. And unfortunately the smirking man was right his threat carried little meaning as killing him would only cause more problems. Still as the hunter backed away it was clear that Milartek had gotten through to him and begrudgingly he picked the hunter back up and continued towards the city.

At a ridiculously fast pace.

Sweat beaded on the warriors forehead as he struggled to keep up with the hunter, his breathing getting more laborious. He wished he hadn't suggested saying the lynx had killed the man as that would mean he didn't have to drag the carcass any further. Yet he was getting his wish for the man to have a proper burial and that was what was important.

Milartek was unsure as to why he felt so strongly but he did. All he knew was that if he died that he would want to go down fighting, like this man clearly had, and that his body would be properly respected to enable a smooth transition into the next life. Death was a part of the natural cycle, that was true. But it still needed respecting.

By the time Milartek had caught the hunter two Knights had approached obviously curious as to why one man carried another dead.

"The lynx got to him."

Yes it was false, but it was easier than explaining what really had happened. As the knight knelt to inspect the corpse Milartek dropped the Lynx and made his way to stand next to Roderick. He had not encountered the knights properly before and so did not know how to react. But he was hurting and fatigued and had to try hard not to loose his cool. He waited for the knight to finish examining and start his inevitable questions.

[Roderick]

The Akalak struggled to keep pace with him, the effort of dragging the lynx slowing him further. Pleased with his indirect revenge Roderick allowed himself the chance to relax as he came to a stop in front of the knights, who began checking the body vigorously for any signs of foul play. While he highly doubted they would find anything more than claw and bite marks he let them carry out their examination of the body as Milartek came up from behind and deposited the lynx on the ground. Together it seemed they were convincing the knights of their innocence in matters, but the silence of the two men made the hunter's skin itch. One of the knights - presumably the senior one - turned his attention to Roderick. "Where exactly did you find him? Be precise." Scratching his head he thought it over for a few tics, "It was northeast of here, up in some rocky terrain. There was this stone incline that leveled out at the top; that's where we found him." Listening with the utmost care the knight looked him straight in the eyes, judging for any sign that he might be lying. Returning the gaze the other man seemed to be convinced - in some way - and he turned his attentions to the Akalak. "You're bleeding. How did that happen to you?" The other knight moved forwards and started inspecting the wound, holding the torn cloth of the warrior''s trousers open while he eyed the wound critically. "Seems like a genuine cut." He informed his companion "I'd say they are telling the truth." Rising to his feet he turned around and walked back to the first knight, who still seemed more than a little skeptical about it all. Roderick couldn't blame him for being careful about trusting them, though having to deal with this was proving extremely irritating. In hindsight it had been a little hasty of him to abandon the body the moment he saw the flaws within their plan, but could he really be blamed for wanting to avoid trouble? Besides there was still plenty of time within the day for other hunters to be out and about within the Bronze Wood; the place was usually teeming with them at this hour. The man's body would have been found a little while after they'd left it, if they'd chosen that path. With a mental shrug Roderick dismissed his grievances and let the event slip away to the back of his mind, hard as that was. "I've seen you around here before." The senior knight told the hunter, "Every time you've come in and out of these gates you've been no bother. Now finding a corpse like this seems a little suspicious but-" "Do you really think I would kill someone and bring his body to you?" The words left his mouth unbidden, his mind only registering them after they'd resonated in the air for several tics. Staring him down quietly the man that had been speaking looked up at Roderick for a while, judging him with every passing second. "Well, do you? Listen I've had a bad day; first I'm stuck with a man who brought a chain shirt with him on a hunt, then I find a corpse in the middle of the woods, get chucked against a rock by the big fellow behind me, then he scolds me for taking my time in shooting the lynx he's fighting; on that note, have you ever tried to use a bow after you've smacked your head against a rock? It's petching hard." If Roderick could have seen his head he'd have noticed the red, purplish mark on the side of his skull - the result of hitting his head against a rock. The first knight judged them closely now while the second moved Roderick's hair aside to look at the bruise; "Pretty nasty thing, Imrick. He can't be lying about hitting his head." Imrick took notice of Roderick's twin bows and jerked his chin towards them. "Why are you carrying two bows?" Shyke... "I like to be prepared, ser. It takes a while to reload a longbow - the shortbow's good for getting arrows of quickly, but it's not as strong as the longbow." The Grump took a moment to think that over before he finally said some of the most damning words Roderick had ever heard. "If that's so you won't mind demonstrating with them both?" Giving a polite smile the archer didn't let any of his worries slip through. Drawing the shortbow first he collected an arrow for it and walked away from the group, making sure he was angled towards the lynx so they couldn't accuse him of anything. When he was in position he nocked his arrow and assumed his stance, releasing his breath and then drawing back fully to his cheek and holding it there while he readied himself for the shot. How long has it been since I held one of these? He released the arrow and watched it hurtled off towards he lynx. While it was a fairly different weapon compared to his longbow the principles of both were basically identical, so his aim was better than it might have been otherwise - especially since he'd been using his longbow so much recently; he'd really improved a lot with it. The arrow took the creature in the shoulder, a decent shot, but it could be so much better. All the same the knights seemed convinced that he'd used the weapon before, so it would be more than enough for them. Setting the short bow down Roderick drew free his preferred one and nocked an arrow, noticing that the distance between himself and the lynx was far greater than he'd realized; he should have stood closer to it, so his lack of practice with the short bow would be less noticeable. When he drew his weapon this time it became clear that he had used it for a greater length of time. There was a familiar tug in his shoulders as he readied himself, then the usual relaxing of his muscles as he let the arrow fly away towards its target - the lynx's head. It struck its target soundly, getting it right through the eye. Rather pleased with himself Roderick turned towards the knights and waited for their reaction. The younger knight looked over at Imrick, who sighed and nodded his head at Roderick. "Forgive me for the inquisition, lad. You can never be too careful." The thundering of the younger man's heart should have been audible to everyone there, though somehow they were entirely unaware of just how edgy he was right now. "I understand how it is, ser. If that's all..." Imrick inclined his head and gestured towards the city while his companion collected the dead man's body and walked through the gates with it. That was too close. Walking through the gates with the Akalak following just behind, Roderick absently wiped some blood from his new vambraces. While getting his money for the lynx was important, the hunter was more interested in stashing this new equipment he'd just acquired. He was going to clean himself off and make sure his things were in a safe place, then make his way back to the gates and head out into the Bronze Wood again to collect the wolves; leaving them to rot would be a waste. Passing through the streets and finally arriving at the butcher's store, they handed over the full carcass and received their money; it was quite likely that butchering the corpse and selling the different pieces would have provided some more money, but carrying it all back in different pieces wouldn't have been possible, given their lack of any particularly large containers. Roderick split the money evenly with Milartek; half for himself for crippling it, half for the Akalak because he'd landed the killing blow. "I'm dropping my things off at my apartment and then heading out again. Meet me at the gate in twenty chimes if you want to join me; it makes no matter to me." Despite the lack of malice in his words he had no wish for the Akalak to join him; from what he'd experienced today he decided he preferred hunting alone.

[Milartek]

By the time the hulking Akalak had reached the hunter a Knight was already bent examining the limb body that now lay in front of him. He looked rather impressive in his full armor, yet Milartek wasn't sure what to make of it. Yes it looked dramatic, but was it really practical. After all how could someone move quickly with all that steel? Surely in battle they would be a slow force to contend with.

He also couldn't help but think it was cowardly. If the Knights were as impressive fighters as he was led to believe then surely they didn't need copious amounts of protection?

He wasn't listening to the conversation that the Knight and hunter were engaged in. However he was forced to participate when the steel man approached and started questioning about his leg. The first thing he realized was that he did not like the accusing tone that the questions were issued with.

He thought about shooting back a sarcastic remark, but didn't follow through as the last thing they needed now was confrontation. Even if the men were sluggish he was in no fit state to fight, and after all they did have a fearsome reputation. Instead he decided to play nice.

"I got the wound fighting the beast you see before you, as my companion stated. Be careful what you are doing with those fingers it is still fresh and therefore tender! Look with your eyes on not hands if you would be so kind!"

After more scowling, and a small staring competition between the pair, the Knight finally seemed satisfied that the wound had indeed been inflicted by the Lynx.

How observant!

Yet the Knight taht seemed to be in charge still didn't seem incline to believe them. Before Milartek could say anything Roderick had snapped back a retort and then moaned about the day he had had, which Milartek found frankly insulting. He had acted in Rodericks best interest, if it had hurt the hunters ego then that was tough. He was alive and should be grateful. The intention was not to hurt him, as he well knew. The comment about the chain armor seemed completely irrelevant. As far as the Akalak was concerned it had saved him from more damaging mutilation on more than one occasion today.

Feeling that it would be inappropriate to argue now Milartek brooded in silence resigning himself to just watch the scene play out in front of him and hope it ended soon.

Annoyingly he had to move away from the lynx when it became clear that the Knights were going to make Roderick prove his competence with both bows and that he was going to use the Lynx as a target. He wasn't worried about the hunters ability with a bow, he had proven it enough today So it wasn't a surprise when both arrows struck true their intended target.

Finally it seemed their ordeal was over and the Knights allowed them to pass through the gates back into the city, there kill dragging in the dirt behind them. Miartek merely nodded in thanks annoyed with both the questioning and the throbbing in his leg.

They said nothing as the pair walked to the butchers shop, Mialrtek merely following in the lead. Once there Roderick insisted in splitting the money from the kill with the warrior and then inquiring as to whether the warrior wished to return into the woods to retrieve the rest of the kills.

He did not.

What he did want to do was get his leg seen to, bathe and have a hearty meal. It wasn't that he hadn't enjoyed his day, parts of it had been well received. However the wound had taken his toll and the damning words from the hunter still rattled in his head. It was clear they had not gotten of on a good footing, each feeling that the others behavior was not entirely appropriate. However Milartek couldn't help but feel pleased that he had gotten his wish and the man that they had found would receive the respect he rightfully deserved.

With this in mind he politely refused the invitation.

"Thank you for the hunting trip Roderick, it has been an experience. I am pleased that he decided to make the right choice and enable the deceased man to receive the respect he deserves. If you do not agree with some of my actions then I do apologize however know that I acted with your best interests at heart and i do not regret anything that i did. Unfortunately i will leave you to retrieve the remaining animals yourself, I feel you will move quicker in your own company anyway. Another time maybe"


With that done he turned and headed back to his lodgings planning for a bathe and then a doctor.

[Roderick]

The Akalak backed up the hunter ably, his disposition towards the two knights being very prickly. All the same he didn't jeopardize the story and so Roderick was able to convince his interrogators that the two of them were innocent hunters that had found a dead man, rather than cold-blooded killers. When at last they had been allowed into the city, Roderick carried onwards, helping Milartek with their joint kill and feeling a growing sense of ease as he knew that all the danger had passed them. "Sorry for the tirade - complaining about things clears it from my head - that and it made them think I was just annoyed about having a bad day." When they had reached their destination and he had collected the money owed him by the butcher, he halved it with the warrior, insisting on it; his father had taught him about sharing the credit for a job with the people who helped him. The offer given to the Akalak was rebuked - politely, but refused outright all the same. In truth Roderick couldn't blame Milartek for wanting to get away from him, given the trials they had faced that day. But he felt there was a slight amount of respect between the two, even if it was only a thin, cracked layer that kept them from exchanging harsh words and curses. The apology he received from the warrior was interesting; he wasn't overly upset about anything he'd done, other than the part where he had been threatened with a knife for not bringing the body back. Milartek didn't have to say that he'd done everything with the hunter's interests in mind - he'd known it from the start; pride and adrenaline had simply made him act without thinking things through properly. "I saved your life when I killed that wolf - and you saved mine when you shoved me away from the lynx. Let's remember that when we think back on this." As the Akalak left Roderick turned around and headed towards his apartment; he would stash his new gear away and then return to the Wood. His work today wasn't done by a long shot.