Young Writers Society

“…and you can keep her safe while she’s not with me?”

"Yes. No doubt."

Jerica nodded slowly. She had plenty of doubts. “Okay… why? Like… why do you care about her if you hate everyone else?”

"I not hate. I not trust. But she help me, and I help her. Months ago."

“Oh… that tracks.” She nodded hesitantly. “She seems like the type.” Who would look at a literal monster and yet find compassion within herself for him.

He looked toward the fire. "Yes. Still strange to me, but she kind to me."

“She’s kind to everyone,” Jerica agreed with a little nod. “I don’t think she could help it if she tried, honestly. Her conscience is… admirable.” Jerica buried her hands in her pockets without considering it may be interpreted as a threat; she was just freezing to fucking death like she had been this whole trip. “She’s very gentle.”

"Maybe too gentle," he mused. "Dangerous to be too kind."

Jerica nodded. "That's why we've gotta protect her. Make sure she stays safe."

"So you keep her safe inside, I keep her safe outside."

“Deal.” Jerica nodded once, then glanced back at the camp. Hopefully she’d be able to. What with the trolls and evil goat men and gods strolling around it was hard to say. They were hardly a fair fight. But they’d have to get past her dead body before they got to Ky. That was certain.

"Good." He offered her his hand reluctantly. "Shake?"

(Oops totally missed this notif lol)

Jerica hesitated, then reluctantly took his hand and shook it firmly.

He gave a tight handshake and then let go quickly. "That all?" he asked her. "We good now?"

Jerica hesitated, then nodded. “Yeah… I think so? I… sorry for stabbing you before. I misread that situation. Severely.” She buried her hands in her pockets again. “I won’t do it again.” Unless he deserved it.