"Well, glad we've reached an understanding," James said simply as he walked over, going around the tree and beginning to untie the ropes. Amy watched warily from the fire.
She falls into a stony silence and Ari puts an arm around Amy.
"All that is gold does not glitter, Not all those who wander are lost; The old that is strong does not wither, Deep roots are not reached by the frost."
She stood, rubbing her wrists to regain the circulation as she silently sat down next to the fire as bidden, opposing Amy.
"All that is gold does not glitter, Not all those who wander are lost; The old that is strong does not wither, Deep roots are not reached by the frost."
She hesitated, then took it, muttering a 'thanks' almost inaudibly under her breath.
"All that is gold does not glitter, Not all those who wander are lost; The old that is strong does not wither, Deep roots are not reached by the frost."
James nodded, before sitting between her and the young... couple, if he could even call it that.
He had a feeling that everyone was looking to him for clarity for direction, or a plan, but at the moment, with a werewolf, a bounty hunter, Ari in tow, and Rita inevitably coming their way, all he could think to do was prepare for when the latter happened. And that meant... well, staying alive, and making as much distance as possible to delay said inevitable event.
If that were the case, he decided he should just be out with it.
"And - just... so you're aware, if you're not already - I happened to get on the bad side of a particularly rowdy gang of thieves so, they'll be showing up eventually," he said, speaking to Tasha but not looking at her.
"Positively brilliant," she replied brusquely. "I don't suppose I can have my sword back for that?"
"All that is gold does not glitter, Not all those who wander are lost; The old that is strong does not wither, Deep roots are not reached by the frost."
"All that is gold does not glitter, Not all those who wander are lost; The old that is strong does not wither, Deep roots are not reached by the frost."
A frown creased the warrior-woman's face, but she didn't press the matter, instead casting a glance towards the werewolf and the seven-foot-tall giant. Ari just gave her a big, goofy grin, and she let out a sigh. This was going to be a very long trip.
"All that is gold does not glitter, Not all those who wander are lost; The old that is strong does not wither, Deep roots are not reached by the frost."
The group - now four people - had been traveling for all but a day, and James was already starting to doubt how long they could justify dragging the monster hunter around, having stripped her of her pride and her weapons. He had been quietly happy to have Ari's company but with Amy amongst them, Ari's infatuations and attention were wholly diverted from him in most every situation. In all truth, he felt cheated. He had nothing against Amy and really did want to see her safe - but it was exhausting keeping an eye on them all. He felt like he was constantly herding rabbits. For a moment, he wondered if having children was anything like what he was experiencing.
James let out a sigh as they reached the top of a hill, with the sun still high in the sky. He was glad that it was summertime, even though the blistering heat was slowly sucking the energy out of him, it was worlds better than traveling in the wintertime. He looked back at Ari and Amy following, with Tasha just ahead of them.
"Do you guys need a break?" he asked.
Amy shook her head, looking to Ari. "I mean, I could keep going."
Ari shrugged and smiled. "I'm happy with anything!" he beamed. "But I have stickers bars if anyone wants them."
Tasha didn't answer, instead stopping as James slowed and glancing back to see what the holdup was.
"All that is gold does not glitter, Not all those who wander are lost; The old that is strong does not wither, Deep roots are not reached by the frost."
He grinned and obliged, pulling a worn, wrapped fabric package from his boot and pulling stickers bars out of it.
"All that is gold does not glitter, Not all those who wander are lost; The old that is strong does not wither, Deep roots are not reached by the frost."
