Two Crows Watch from the Gallows Tree (part 18)

"Quite." He looked back at the goat. The only trial would be getting it up onto the shrine after the deed was done. And he'd get blood on his clothes, doubtless. That was never ideal.

“Okay.” She nodded. “Then… I guess I’ll go look for a bone… then go to the library to start figuring things out. Do you want to meet me there when you’re done?”

"I'll do that, yes. Be sure to find one sizable enough for a first time carving; the runes aren't easy to scratch in."

“Okay.” She nodded. “Will do.” She turned and started back out of the grove.

Gaius turned, leading the goat into the trees. "I'll be up in the office if you haven't found it by the time I'm done."

“Okay!” She nodded, then headed for the side gate. She started doubting whether it was a good idea to go out by herself or not this time of night. But. Well. Hopefully Rönn was nearby… enough. She got a torch then started struggling with the latch on the side gate.

(Happy new year, our dog has run off)

Gaius was far enough into the grove that he didn't notice.

The night was clear but utterly frigid; the moon was a mere crescent and the stars were completely visible, as was the galaxy's band streaking across the sky. The trees were lit a dark greenish silver, dim against the starkness of the snow but nevertheless standing upright and ancient. They seemed strangely watchful for such still objects, as if they were great beings keeping vigil over the winter landscape and the Keep they surrounded so utterly.

(Oh nuuuu has it come back yet?)
(And that’s a beautiful description!)

Ky managed to let herself out and then started towards the trees where Rönn always left towards, hoping he ate nearby… and that nothing else would be between her and the carcass. She walked as silently as possible, barely breathing as fear clutched at her chest.

(Not yet. Thank you)

There were some fresh streaks of blood recently frozen into the snow, but not yet any sign of Rönn or his meal.

(Aww that’s awful I’m so sorry I hope it comes back soon!)

Ky swallowed hard and clenched her fists to keep them from trembling. She wasn’t going to chicken out. She wasn’t. She was going to get the bone. She forced herself to follow the blood.

(I hope so too. We think someone might have picked her up)

Well into the trees, the deer Rönn had been given lay near a heap of others. It was picked clean, save for the joints and cartilage. The others were in a similar state. Rönn was nowhere in sight.

(That’s so awful >:[[[)

Ky sped up a bit, relieved to be so near to her goal. She looked for one of the cleanest leg bones then began trying to break the knee joint.

It was a fairly easy break, but it cracked quite loudly.

She flinched and grimaced then quickly whirled around and she started back towards the Keep, barely short of a run. Well. As much of a run as would have been possible in the deep snow anyway.

Gaius had reached the shrine at this point. It was a simple affair, an oblong stone rising out of the ground with vertical runes etched crudely down the center. An altar sat in front of it.
Gaius stopped in front of the altar; there was a bowl and knife resting on top of it, front and center, and he took the bowl in his maimed hand. He straddled the goat, who pawed at the ground in irritation. Then, with his good hand, he picked up the knife, careful not to let the goat see it. He positioned the bowl under the goat's neck, then slid the knife down and cut.
The reaction was immediate; the goat shuddered and gurgle, then began to struggle violently against Gaius. He dropped the knife, startled, but kept the bowl in position and yanked the goat's horns back. It continued to fight him, but its struggles grew weaker as he crouched over it until the bowl was overflowing and his clothes were soaked. Then it slumped down, and Gaius did along with it.