The warm soft body surrounding me is what woke me up. That, and the deep purr that I could feel vibrating across my entire body. I looked up and there was Kareena, her eyes half closed but still watching me. She seemed to have a pleased smile.
Hey girl. I missed you.
She seemed to echo the sentiment because she opened her eyes and tipped her head.
"What happened last night?" Talon muttered from his sleeper, rolling over to look at me. His hair stuck up every which way and his eyes were still sleepy looking.
"It is hard to explain. How much do you remember?" I stretched next to Kareena, rubbing her between the ears where her sweet spot was.
"I could see...the forest. Then a desert? Or something like a desert. Then the Geek and a fire. Alcohol. Then the whole thing turned to a muddled mess and I was more tired than I have ever been in my entire night, including the other day after being knocked out and drugged. Is it normal for that to happen?" He was still laying down on his side, looking at me. The fire between us had died but surprisingly it was a warm morning.
"Not unless the animal is really tired. Kareena hasn't slept all that much since she left to track them down. You are lucky that you are a reader, I don't think you would have had any idea what was going on otherwise. You must be pretty strong."
"Is that what it feels like when you shift?"
"No. Not quite. The thinking is similar though. So, the Geek went north. That is interesting, there really isn't anything out there really. No resources or anything. Why would they want to go there?"
"You really don't like talking about shifting do you."
Really.
"Alright alright. So what are we going to be doing? How are we going to get in there?" He sat up on one arm, using the other to push back his hair.
"Well, lets finish what we started last night. She fell asleep before she was done showing us what she has seen. We should eat something first though. So should she." I sighed and crawled out of my sleeper, leaving the silky warmth of Kareena.
I dug out some jerky and some dried fruits. Talon warmed up the fire and Kareena walked off into the woods.
Where is she going? Talon hadn't bothered looking at me. He was really trying to push the boundary of his abilities.
Probably off to relieve herself. She has been sleeping there a long time. Who knows, she might be taking a dip in the river...
Well what about the serpentine creature?
What about them? Kareena is a big girl, she will be fine. She can take care of herself. Especially now that she is well rested.
The unheard conversation left us better able to hear the outside noises around us with out interruption. Or lack of noises. The whole forest went quiet. Birds had stopped chirruping, there were no rustling leaves from whatever creatures lived among the branches above us, the whole forest around us was frozen in time.
What is that? He had stood up, grabbing his belt knife.
I walked towards a tree that would be easy to climb. I don't know, but I would suggest you hide yourself. I am going to try to find out what is going on.
Do you hear that? I knew what he had meant, because as soon as I thought out our battle strategy, voices were drawing near.
"I am telling you, I smell smoke. Thick, rich wood smoke. The kind that you cook strips of pogue meat on. It is making my mouth water already John." This voice was lighter in tone, but still masculine with a country accent, he had a drawl of sorts and his words were ended in different areas than the way Talon or I did.
"Look Jay, I'm telling YOU, there aint no smoke!" John had a deeper voice, one that seemed to originate somewhere from deep within and gathering strength on it way to existence. It was reminiscent of an avalanche gathering speed. The longer it was going, the louder it seemed to get. He had the same accent as the first guy. Jay.
They aren't from around here are they? I think I have heard that accent before. Talon looked at me and raised an eyebrow. I know! One of the kids that have gone through our training!
Of course. Big 'n' Beefy. I bet I know who it is. Do you remember the beefy guy? The cocky one? He nodded at me. That's who that is. I would bet it. Which would also explain why Kareena hasn't showed up yet. She isn't worried about him.
Are you sure?
"Definitely."
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