what friends are for

Based on the scent trails, the Knight was fairly certain his friend had ventured through here fairly recently. A quick, initial scan of the area did not reveal anything to indicate the presence of the other, though. At least, not until the other man spoke - his voice echoing down from somewhere.. above. That, and his words themselves, prompted the ghost to tilt his head upward, a wry smile formulating upon his countenance as the other spoke again.

”I don’t believe I’ve ever known anyone that climbed trees before, but you do make a fair point. I’ll be more vigilant, going forth,” Hawk promised with a facetious wink and a nod to himself and his friend. He supposed there was a note of seriousness to be had in there, though. Maybe it wouldn’t be such a bad idea to look up, once in a while. Just in case, for it was a trick he could see actual instigators utilizing, as well.

”I’m glad to see you’re feeling better, too,” he added on, supposing that was the most important conclusion Hawk could draw from this. If Maxem was feeling well enough to be able to climb a tree, that had to be a very good sign. ”And it is good to see you again, my friend. I’m sorry I haven’t had more time to see you, lately.” But that was the purpose of today, to spend time with someone else. Friendships were as important as duties and patrols. Arguably, even more so, in many ways.

Certainly, the other appeared much more upbeat than any time Hawk had seen him before, an enormous grin evidence of that. Maxem apparently considered the trees a second home, and his injury had prohibited him from enjoying that. ”I can imagine it did,” Hawk spoke with a note of sympathy. ”Still, an impressive feat. Do you think, perhaps, you could teach me?” He watched with intrigue as the question was posed. It would be a useful skill, he thought, though the ghost did feel a small bit of concern, as his packmate descended from the tree.

Thankfully Maxem made it down without incident, though the wince did not go unnoticed. The injury was still bothering him to some extent it seemed, although Maxem’s stride appeared normal. Probably just because of the jump, then. Also nice, was the fact that the other man didn’t seem at all bothered for the length of time between visits. His comment, however, almost immediately caused the Knight’s eyes to widen in surprise. The comment was clearly meant in jest, but.. was it just meant to tease or did Maxem actually think.. that? He did continue though, offering Hawk the excuse to stay silent a moment longer to contemplate an answer.

The whole relationship thing was.. not something the ghost could deny, though, because the idea had come to his mind, too - and he was not necessarily opposed to it. Taking a breath, Hawk tipped his head slightly. ”It does, sadly. Especially now. Athena and I.. actually did spend some time together, though, looking for water in the caves.” He admitted, wondering if she had mentioned that or not. ”How did you know about that?” he quipped back, flashing a wry smirk, supposing the question might reveal what he wanted to know, even if it was meant mostly in fun.

Almost as soon as he had posed the question about learning to climb, Maxem looked stunned. It must not’ve been something he was asked about a lot, then - or a skill very few others knew he had. Either way that was unfortunate and a bit saddening. He did, however, seem eager to share the skill, provided Hawk didn’t end up breaking something.

The ghost smiled a little at that. ”I would like to. Maybe, somewhere easier, though. Since.. you know, I’m not quite as suited for that sort of thing.” With his weight, the Knight supposed he would be more likely to break any tree branches he were to try standing on, if they weren’t big enough, which was something he was sure both of them preferred to avoid. 

However, the second question appeared to humor Maxem. And as the other admitted his secret, Hawk couldn’t help but to join him in the laughter, giving his head a little bow in mock shame at how easily he’d been fooled. ”A clever strategy. Fortunately for me, there’s nothing I’d take back, this time. I do like Athena,” the Knight admitted with a wry smile, taking a moment to catch his breath and let the amusement wear down a bit.

”That was.. actually something that I.. wanted to ask you about. If you thought.. someone like me has any chance with her.” He supposed it was as good a time as any to get into that, finally, even if he did somewhat regret moving the conversation toward a more serious topic for the moment. Hopefully, though, his friend could help sort out these very weird feelings.

The ghost smiled a little and nodded, as his friend requested a moment to find the perfect place for this practice tree climbing session. From the look in Maxem’s eyes, though, he was clearly looking forward to this. For a moment, Hawk wondered what exactly he had gotten himself into with this, but whatever happened, it would be worth it. For one, he’d have the chance he had wanted to spend time with a friend, and secondly, maybe he’d learn a new skill, too. That was worth it.

As much as he wanted to laugh about Maxem’s exclamation and follow up comment about observation, the ghost couldn’t quite bring himself too. Instead, he felt a little saddened that this man’s family seemed to have turned against him as they had. ”That.. doesn’t sound quite right. Your maneuverability, tact, and keen observation would make you a formidable scout, back where I’m from,” he chose to comment, hoping it would be encouraging for his friend. It wasn’t an official role here, but it was a part Maxem had mentioned partaking in, before. Perhaps that could be his role for the pack. 

The ghost was very quickly caught off guard however, by the series of compliments paid to him by his friend. ”You.. really think all of that?” he murmured, wholly taken aback. It was of course how Hawk strived to portray himself, but to hear it, was an entirely different matter. Even more so as it related to Athena. He had a chance. Provided he didn’t mess it up by saying or doing something dumb and awkward. 

Maxem didn’t dwell on the negative for very long, but it was still long enough, and prevalent enough, to concern the ghost. He was glad at least though, that the other appeared to be seeing a positive to his situation as well - even if the thought of the disconnect between family in the same pack was just as saddening. ”That’s a good attitude. Every tool has a purpose. Even if it’s not given some specific special title, that doesn’t mean its function isn’t important. The pack couldn’t eat without someone doing what you do, which is something you can be proud of, and no one can take that away.”

Some jobs had more attention focused on them than others, and were deemed.. honorable or glamorous. There was some truth to that, Hawk thought, but that didn’t mean everyone else wasn’t important. Like Maxem, who was just as good and awesome as he was trying to convince the ghost to be.

Hawk let himself accept that with a smile, and a nod. ”Thank you, my friend. I do need to do that. But.. I also meant that.. I’m fortunate that no one else seems to have seen what I do, in Athena.” The ghost explained, biting back a troubled frown. ”She’s.. everything someone with sense would want. And then some.” Now, telling her that, would be something entirely different. The thought of it was both a little bit exciting, and terrifying. But the Knight surmised he would. Perhaps.. when that trip to the ocean, came around.

That was something to think about more, later. For now, he’d focus on the tree climbing lessons, grinning at Maxem’s comment. ”We wouldn’t want that. I don’t particularly fancy any broken limbs, myself,” Hawk agreed with a nod. Internally, though, an idea came to mind. And one he couldn’t wait to try, but carefully, of course.

Hawk offered his friend an encouraging nod, when he said that he wouldn't argue. "You're important to me, too. I am proud to have you as a packmate," the ghost added, giving his friend a slight bump with a shoulder. Maxem was easy to get along with, loyal, and fun to be around. The best of the Vertok, whether he or the rest of the pack realized it or not. And it was shameful that they hadn't.

Equally so, for Athena. He could see how others might view her as scary or intimidating, but it was a rather unfortunate loss. "That makes sense, I suppose," he murmured, sadness evident in the words. He supposed that was to his benefit, though a part of him was loathed to admit that. But maybe, as Maxem suggested, something good could come of it. Athena deserved happiness, too. Maybe, hopefully, he could help her find that. And the last bit brought a wry smile to his face. "If it works out, I wouldn't mind.. granting you that." He'd always wanted children, too. To be able to love and pass on things to them, just as his family had. Maybe now that dream was closer to being attainable.

An outright laugh escaped Hawk however, with the last question his friend asked. "I'd.. consider myself agile, for my build, I think? Not like you, though," he spoke, eyes alight with amusement at that, as he gazed up towards the trees. "So I suppose there's only one way to find out if it's not good enough." Yes. He couldn't wait for this. It was not very often such a brilliant idea for a prank came to mind, and if it worked out, this would be one for the ages. Provided he didn't actually hurt himself in the process, that was.