[P] Knight's Fright

It’d been a while since he’d had the pleasure or the privilege of being able to work with someone else. There were still so very many wolves amongst the Vertok that Hawk knew of from stories or brief, previous assignments. But many he still did not know very well, and certainly not in any way that could be considered personal or close. And with the upcoming trip, and all of the potential associated risks.. he wasn’t at all sure how many more opportunities he’d have to change that.

His partner today was one such wolf. Ramir was someone Hawk knew very little about. What little he did know was that the other was a good wolf, trustworthy, and devoted to the Vertok.

The heat today, as with almost every day for a while was nearly unbearable. It made the task of simply getting to the plains and near the Sanzin border more tiring than it should’ve been - for each of them, it seemed. Which unfortunately also seemed to stifle any opportunity for a conversation they might’ve had, at least so far.

Being so close to a border would, too. They’d need to be on alert, and - suddenly there was the sound of movement in the nearby foliage. It didn’t sound big enough to be a wolf, though, at least maybe not an adult, but it understandably seemed to startle his company just a little. Carefully then, Hawk advanced on the noise just in case, managing a couple of steps closer before a squirrel darted out in front of them and ventured off elsewhere.

After a soft breath of relief escaped him, the ghost glanced back to his fellow knight. ”You good?”



--yes! all good - thank you for making this

I’m fine, the other spoke, though the delivery of the words appeared to indicate otherwise. There was something else uttered after that, but Hawk wasn’t quite close enough to catch it. He’d have been fully content to let it go at that and resume the patrol after a little smile and nod, but Ramir spoke another question, and then mentioned the expedition. And those two things gave him reason to slow a little while contemplating an answer.

”To be honest, it’s.. almost like an instinct,” he offered at first. It wasn’t something he usually thought about. When action was needed, he just did things. ”But.. I guess it’s because I’m more afraid of seeing someone else get hurt. This pack.. most of you’ve got friends and family here. I don’t, therefore I’m.. better suited to take risks, I suppose.” Hawk spoke again, hoping that made some kind of sense to his fellow knight. Certainly, as far as sentimental value went, he’d be missed less than some, or even many of the other members of the Vertok. Except for Athena.

But he didn't know if Ramir knew of that. Hawk imagined the other Knights had to have noticed something was going on between them, but he wasn't sure he wished to elaborate in detail. ”But.. there are things I want, too. I feel I need to do my part to see that we can have it. Whether it’s just patrolling, or.. going on that expedition. I’m not going to lie to you, though.. I am worrying about that.” Worrying about what would happen to him, or to Athena and all of their hopes if he didn't return.

It was his turn to offer a small, sheepish sort of smile. Just because he felt compelled by duty, didn’t mean he wasn’t afraid. And certainly, the knight didn’t want to be harmed or perish, either. There was still so much he hoped to see and do in the future, but they had to make sure those things were possible, first. And without the most basic of resources in water, well, almost nothing could survive for very long. 

Ramir posed a second question after Hawk answered his first, sounding perhaps a tad discouraged as he posed it. Does that mean I’ll never be brave? The white knight gave his head a little shake. ”No. It may… well. If something had come out of those bushes and attacked me, would you’ve helped?” If the answer to that question was what he expected it to be, then Ramir certainly wasn’t lacking for bravery. Instead, maybe he was predisposed to caution. Which wasn’t a bad thing.

At the next bit though, it was his company that was pushing back a little against what had been said. Ramir would miss Hawk if he were gone and was sure others would too. Given the manner in which it was said, the ghost didn’t doubt it, but it still came as something of a surprise. His ears turned back a little, but a small, appreciative smile manifested across his countenance. ”I.. thanks. That means a lot.”

The Vertok were a good group, with a lot of good wolves and values. It was an honor to play a part in representing them on the upcoming quest. Ramir’s offer of encouragement was welcomed too, but the first part had his smile faltering. ”Thank you, again. But that.. doesn’t make me better. Just different. I’ve no doubt you’d represent us honorably if it were you going instead of me.”

There were other things too, on the tip of his tongue, but the ghost held them. He didn’t want to come across as chastising or holier-than-thou by saying too much.

The other quickly and emphatically answered Hawk’s inquiry exactly as he’d expected, prompting the white knight to offer his company a brief grin. ”In that case, you’re brave. Not many would risk themselves for another.” Whatever else Ramir thought about himself didn’t matter as much when faced with that fact. In his mind, that all but settled the whole bravery issue.

His company offered a statement that Hawk once more found himself disagreeing with - I think you’re the most honorable. But before he could formulate a response or refute that claim, the other was posing another inquiry. ”Yes, I do,” he answered with a small bob of his head. ”I’ve been hoping for a chance to meet with some from the other packs.” Wanting to meet, study, and observe the behaviors of both Sanzin and Au’dar wolves was a desire Hawk had for a while. And this little expedition would finally provide him the ability to do just that. 

Along with his aforementioned thoughts on risk. He’d rather it be him than anyone else.

However, his head canted to one side, unwilling to let the previous statement slip by. ”But why do you think I’m more honorable?” He questioned gently, genuinely curious to know more about Ramir’s opinion on the matter. What have I done to earn such lofty praise?

Ramir spoke that he’d want to meet the other packs too, if they weren’t so scary. The white knight nodded a little to that. ”I understand that. I’m scared, too. But also wonder if.. maybe there’s more in common than we think.” The way the words were spoken sounded skeptical, because he was.

It was a subject he’d pondered a lot. Was it possible the packs could have more common than they all believed? With what he’d heard about the Sanzin, Hawk wasn’t sure there could possibly be much there. Forging some sort of relationship with the Au’Dar seemed much more likely, but at the end of it, he couldn’t know until he’d gotten to see for himself.

”At least we’ll all be united in our goal, though. That should help keep us on track.” And maybe buy some temporary peace between them. At least until the water had come back and things had gone back to normal.
Ramir’s explanation about his comments though, was flattering. The ghost’s ears pushed back a tad self-consciously. ”You’re.. very kind. And it may be honorable, but I’m not a hero. I’m just a man doing his job and what he thinks is right.” Hero was a word he was quite uncomfortable with, and rather unaccustomed to hearing it be associated with himself. The ghost wasn't sure he liked the idea of anyone seeing him in that high of a regard. 

”There are many ways to have honor. You, my friend, are deserving of it too. For your loyalty, and all you do for your pack and family.” Every wolf deserved to be acknowledged and praised for their works, however much or little it amounted to, provided they were doing their best. Different individuals served in different ways, but they were all important.