The Taming

Mostly Jesting

He laughed roughly. "Well, good that I'm not then."

She released him abruptly and he thudded back to the soft bedding. Grunting against the whoosh of pain whipping through him.

Ouch.

How kind of you.

She stalked from the room and slammed the door behind her.

"Goodnight, Little Bird." He called weakly after her.

He heard her snarl somewhere down the hallway.

***

Merwood, Dread Hideout

SEBASTIAN

It had taken nearly a fortnight for Bast to heal enough to wander out.

Elsabet had been pointedly avoiding him.

He still didn't know if she'd have agreed to travel with him under his watchful eye. She never said.

He'd needed a bit of air. He wanted to get grass under his panther paws. Besides, he'd been wondering how Acharius fared after his recent issue. He wanted to know why Acharius, prime archer that he was, needed help.

Hopefully not Chavias again.

But, had that been the case, Sebastian was sure they'd have gotten word that Acharius didn't make it.

Chavias was unmatched, ruthless, and calculating.

Sebastian was reassured when he heard Acharius' footfalls pacing the outer wall of the house gardens.

Loud enough everything for miles North of here would've heard him. But when Bast got there, he found no trace of Acharius.

Where'd he go? Bast crept from tree to tree, concerned a Cimmerii might've come. Gold eyes flicked over his surroundings. There wasn't so much as a track to follow.

Lifting his snout, he drew a deep breath. Radix's ashen stink isn't here.

Bast heard a bit of bark crunch above him and glanced up. Acharius was atop a stump overlooking Bast's position, posed with an arrow. His hood low enough it was hard to tell if he'd identified Bast.

Just me friend.

"You didn't hear me get you in my sights this time, old friend." Acharius murmured. "This is usually your favorite game."

He's implying I'm losing my touch. Bast gave a gentle rumble in response. It's still my favorite game.

"Not today, hmm? Bad day with the valkyrie again?" Acharius lowered his bow, a compassionate smile on his face.

He's too wise. Gold eyes narrowed on him. Sharp viking.

"I was hoping you would come soon." Acharius lowered his bow. "I was wondering if you could find Rhyers to watch the caves for me for a bit, so I can get away awhile."

"Oh?" Bast tilted his head, beyond curious. "You almost never require a break from your duties."

It was a rare occasion when Acharius took a day to himself.

Sighing, Acharius adjusted his bow and arrow at his side, in order to leap off the high trunk. "Yes, it's because of her, if that's what you're really asking. And nay, I don't wish to hear your advice on it."

Acharius put up a staying hand as Bast gave a few malcontented puffs.

He knows full well that I disagree with him. I've got much to say on the subject.

He should stop running from the woman. Bast lifted himself to put his paws along Acharius's side, giving a slight nip to the back of Acharius's hand to indicate he shouldn't be leaving his den, just when he was realizing his feelings for his ward.

"Ouch." Acharius yelped. Shaking his hand and glancing at the red cuts that opened over the back of his hand.

"Tis funny you'd choose today to bite me, friend. I hadn't the proper leaves this morning for my daily lightening. I hope you enjoyed that." He nodded vigorously. Giving the panther a long look before wiping the back of his hand along his pantleg.

He's joking.

He did not cleanse himself with his hand...I hope. Bast rumbled in complaint and lowered to drag his open mouth along the grass of the Merwood floor. Just in-case.

"Tis too late!" Acharius proclaimed triumphantly. "But in all seriousness, would you fetch me Rhyers, so I may go awhile?"

Bast gave him a long look. Now you wish me to do you favors?

"Yes, I know all you've to say on the matter. You've told me 'afore when I told you I considered leaving."

Bast gave a low growl and tossed his head. Then perhaps you should listen. For once.

"Thanks, old friend." Acharius reached down to pat his high shoulders.

Bast edged from him, eying his hand.

"'Tis safe." Acharius muttered. "I only said it for my own amusement. I quite enjoyed that it clearly worked to disturb you."

Bast couldn't help licking his mouth in an effort to remove whatever may linger on his tongue. He eyed the Viking warily as he walked away. Tossing another scathing gold-eyed look over his sleek black shoulder.

"Ah, come back." Acharius laughed. "I was only jesting...Mostly..."