Carpe - When the hunting is good... [Closed]

[misborncat]

Asato is putting the last minute touches on his blades before heading out into the snowy forest for a hunt. A bit of fowl would be nice and he could share it with Merlin if the old human was willing. Perhaps even a hare. Those were quite tasty.

He wondered for a moment if he should seek out Benjen for a hunt, but he wasn't sure if the human was available or willing.

Comments

[first-ranger.livejournal.com]

"Then I saved you one hunt, giving us more time for the other," Benjen replies. "But I am gratified that you did intend to find me." A smile, however brief, but no less sincere. Or perhaps more so because he doesn't smile often.

[misborncat.livejournal.com]

"Indeed. Thank you." Asato slides the knife into it's sheath and stands up. He has his knives, a bow, and a quiver of arrows. "What do you enjoy hunting Benjen?"

[first-ranger.livejournal.com]

"Our usual fare was deer and hare," Benjen replies. He's equipped rather similarly to Asato, but he also has a sword in scabbard as well.

[misborncat.livejournal.com]

"Deer?" He thinks for a moment, then nods. "I've seen those here. Hare as well. I've looked up the pictures in books," Asato explains. "There are also many kinds of birds to hunt."

[first-ranger.livejournal.com]

"Less meat on birds," Benjen answers, by way of explanation. "We might hunt anything you wish," he adds. His main interest is spending time with Asato in this endeavor. That's not to say he won't hunt well though. It's not in his nature to do this half-way.

[misborncat.livejournal.com]

"I hunt what I can eat," he says with a shrug and a flick of an ear. "Let's see what is out there to hunt today and we'll decide then."

He's looking forward to spending time with a friend that he has something in common with.

"Shall we go then?"

[first-ranger.livejournal.com]

"I would quite like that," Benjen nods, and falls in step beside Asato. He's looking forward to this hunting expedition, mainly for the company.

[misborncat.livejournal.com]

Asato smiles and heads into the forest, glad for the company.

It's a little while before he speaks. "I know that this isn't your forest, but do you enjoy the snow?" In a round about way, he wants to know if Benjen is doing alright after their last conversation.

[first-ranger.livejournal.com]

"It is a mild winter, and from what I understand it is short. The forest is full of wild and healthy trees. I am pleased," Benjen answers honestly. He glances at Asato. "I much prefer the company as well."

[misborncat.livejournal.com]

The ribika nods. "Some winters are worse than others," he agrees. "But this hasn't been a bad one at all. The forest is not quite what I'm used to, but it is nice to see and to have around as well." Asato's ears flick and he smiles slightly.

"Having company is also something I'm not used to, but I do enjoy yours."

[first-ranger.livejournal.com]

"Winters in my home land are rather long, by any standard," Benjen shares, wanting to allow Asato into his life more. He's just not certain Asato is interested, but he is a patient man. "It is good. We can enjoy each other in the outdoors while doing something useful."

[misborncat.livejournal.com]

Asato is always interested in hearing more about the places others come from, though it's not often that people share that information with him.

"I see. Then, I hope that this at least is a pleasant one for you." He smiles, a quick flash of fangs. "The weather and the forest here are both very kind and as there is not much hunting being done, many of the animals are easy enough to hunt."

[first-ranger.livejournal.com]

"My family has a motto. Winter is coming. This place is mild in comparison, but I find other things that I prefer here to the better clime," Benjen replies, eyes on Asato. "That being the company. Yours."

The sight of fangs do not dissuade him in the least. In fact, he's intrigued. He wonders how it would feel to kiss him with that sharp danger between them.

[misborncat.livejournal.com]

"My company?" Asato is a bit surprised, but pleased as well. "Thank you. I don't think many outside of the forest care much for my company. Perhaps Neville." He shakes his head a bit and smiles again at Benjen.

"I enjoy your company as well Benjen. You are a good companion."

[first-ranger.livejournal.com]

"Then it is both their failure to have met you on your terms and make themselves known," Benjen reflects. "Their great lack, while mine boon." And with this is a brief smile. "I should meet this Neville."

[misborncat.livejournal.com]

Asato crouches a bit to check a game trail, then straightens and smiles again, tail flicking with shy pleasure at the compliments.

"Neville is a good human. He has a green house where he grows plants. We went to the lake once and fished and spoke of plants."

[first-ranger.livejournal.com]

Benjen watches the tail, and then Asato's face. He's making a note to himself that the ribika likes compliments. Not that he'll hand out any without meaning them, but it's no stretch to find things likable about Asato.

"I hope you will fish with me when the thaw arrives, but I am no expert on plants." He hopes this Neville is not interested in Asato. He tears his eyes away from his companion to look ahead, eyes narrowing. "There, do you see the bent twig?" A bush in the near distance bears possible evidence of an animal.

[misborncat.livejournal.com]

Asato has gotten so few that he wouldn't trust hearing them often of Benjen were the sort to do so.

"I do..." He tilts his head up a bit and sniffs the air carefully. "There's a number of trails, different ages, but I think ..." Another careful sniff. "This is a mix. Hare and a fox have both gone this way recently."

[first-ranger.livejournal.com]

"Perhaps a water source nearby," Benjen notes. Not that it matters, a good trail is a good trail. "Your nose is most helpful in this," he points out. Another genuine compliment, based on fact. "It is good to hunt with you." He moves slowly and silently in the trail's direction.

[misborncat.livejournal.com]

"It was helpful back in my home forest, though there are fewer things that are a true threat here..."

He falls silent as well as they follow the trail, his ears flicking around to catch even minute sounds.

[first-ranger.livejournal.com]

A seasoned hunter, Benjen's footfalls make no sound as he steps though the snow helps this a great deal. He pauses by the twig, certain upon closer examination that it was an animal. He quietly unsheathes his throwing knife from its scabbard.

[misborncat.livejournal.com]

Asato takes an arrow out and readies his bow to draw. He's silent as well, moving like a cat would through the snow and underbrush. His ears are trained forward and his nose flares once to catch the wind.

[first-ranger.livejournal.com]

Benjen glances at Asato long enough to see the flared nose and the ears, and he finds it incredibly intriguing. Actually, he finds it attractive, and his attention is diverted long enough that the ribika likely spots the game first.

[misborncat.livejournal.com]

He does and he will gesture with a nod ahead. A good sized hare was crouched down beside a small, still flowing despite the snow, and was munching on a bit of newly sprung grass.

[first-ranger.livejournal.com]

Benjen follows the direction of Asato's gaze, and nods. The ribika spotted it first, and so should have the kill. He lowers his arms to his sides, indicating this.