Nowhere to Hide {Naomi}

[Zirin]

“I was jus’ commentin’ on yer… your,” He spoke slowly, trying to correct some of the words, “cookin’. I wasn’t sayin’ y’need to go an’ change or nothin’.” Geez, she sure was sensitive! But at least she wasn’t watching him anymore. Korvin took the opportunity to change as quickly as possible, glancing warily towards her every few moments until he was finally back in dry garments. It was then that he truly looked back at Naomi, and was surprised to see she looked rather deep in thought. Had she really taken his comment to heart? “I called it right didn’t I? Y’are a perv!” He stepped towards her, leaning over her with a condescending look on his face.

Kosk purred, watching intently as Nask stalked towards their prey. Gray hung back, doing her best to block Kosk’s hide from view, as she had been taught to do. Kosk had never been allowed to stalk her prey; her hide made her too easy to spot. She always got to play the part of distraction, so seeing a fellow wher make the attack was thrilling. Once he had landed on a wherry, kosk was off, jumping into the air and snapping a slower wherry in her jaws before it could get away. Wow Nask! So stealthy! She praised, carefully tearing her catch in half to share with Gray.

[Akira]

Naomi hadn’t heard most of what Korvin had said, and it wasn’t until he was leaning over her that she even realized that he was there. Wha-what!? She jumped in surprise when she saw that he was so close to her. She quickly stood and moved away from him in a startled response. You shouldn’t sneak up on people like that, especially when they have the ability to slit your throat. She was panting a little as she spoke, but she looked away from him as her cheeks started to redden. And just for your information I am NOT a pervert. And it isn’t like I haven’t seen everything you have before. She put her hands on her hips and she raised an eyebrow at him, her expression exasperated after having stated the obvious, well, what she felt was the obvious.

Nask crooned happily at Kosk as she killed her own wherry. Nask thanks Kosk, Kosk no stalk, Nask not know why? He wasn’t aware that the white female he was speaking two had never been allowed to stalk her prey before, and didn’t realize that it was because of her bright hide. In his eyes, she was just as able of stalking her own prey as he was, so why she hadn’t yet really confused the large blue. He chirped at her curiously before digging in to his own catch, and he even offered the little canine some as well after he had seen Kosk doing it. He wasn’t sure if she’d take it or not, but if she didn’t then he would just have to take it back to the cave and see if he could save it for later, though he doubted that his handler would let him.

[Zirin]

“Oh yeah. I’m shakin’ in my boots.” He snickered, “I hardly think a girl who didn’ even notice me ‘ere would stand a chance of slittin’ my throat.” He crossed his arms and gave a cocky grin, showing just how little he thought of her threat. “Besides, if you were gunna slit my throat you woulda done it last night,” He smirked, “Instead of cuddlin’ up to me all cute like.” Now that he hadn’t caught her unaware he could help but taunt her. His expression changed from amusement to embarrassment in the blink of an eye as she mentioned having seen ‘everything’ before. “E-Everything?” He gulped. How good was her memory? Had he… had he measured up? Childish worrying of course, but it was a worry nonetheless.

Kosk sat with her tail curled around her legs as she ate, though she cocked her head to the side at Nask’s question. Kosk’s say Kosk too white. Big puppy always stalk, Kosk is diversion. Kosk’s say Kosk’s white hide scare prey. Kosk didn’t really see the problem. She enjoyed her job and was able to comprehend why she had to hang back and hide. Gray yipped happily as a chunk of wherry was tossed to her, and was quick to gobble it down, her tail wagging in excitement.

[Akira]

Naomi glared at Korvin and chewed on the inside of her lip. She was definitely gonna have to get him back for this. She just had to carefully plot out how. She would definitely have to make him pay for him taunting her like this. Don’t push your luck. Was all she had to say in response to his taunting, and her expression changed to an evil smirk when he gulped. Oh yes dear Korvin, everything. Her voice was soft as she responded to his question. She had finally found a way to get him back for taunting her. She was going to drag this out as long as she possibly could. Oh he was going to hate this day one or the other. My memory is quite good I assure you. I saw EVERYTHING Korvin. Her voice was a soft whisper meant only for his ears, and his ears alone. After all, one never knew who might be eaves dropping.

Nask stood and quickly eat what was before him, and chirped happily as he nudged the other half of his own wherry towards Gray. He wasn’t sure if she would eat it or not, but if she didn’t, then he would, and if he didn’t eat it, he would take it back to the cave and save it for later if need be. He cocked his head to the side as Kosk spoke, and chirped softly. Nask think Kosk’s hide nice. Kosk make good hunter. He crooned happily as he spoke to Nask and wagged his tail excitedly. His butt was even wagging with happy playfulness as he waited for Kosk to finish her meal. He was full now and wanted to play, though, he wasn’t sure if she would feel the same way. After all, His always took him out running a little after they had finished eating.

[Zirin]

Oh shards he was was losing. He did his best to keep eye contact with her, though he could feel how warm his face had become. She was bluffing right? She had to be? And since she was bluffing there had to be some way to beat her right. A sudden thought struck him. She was winning by embarassing him... he could just do the same back.

"A good memory y'say? You'd 'ave had to stare long an' hard to remember every li'l detail." He crossed his arms and grinned at her. "So tell me, how long did'ja stare huh? Pervy girl." He sat down in a relaxed position, trying to bluff her out by looking confident. "I betcha think of it all the time at night huh?" He leaned closer towards her with each word, the volume of his voice dropping as he spoke. If THAT didn't bluff her out, he didn't know what would.

For all that Korvin expected her to be on her best behavior at all times, Kosk loved to play too. Her game was likely different then what Nask was thinking of, but it was her favourite. Looking around, she finally located what she wanted, a sturdy looking stick. Picking it up in her mouth, she took a pose. En garde!

[Akira]

Naomi didn’t even blink as she stared mischievously at Korvin. She had him now, and oh was she going to enjoy playing with him. Her smile widened when she saw his face darken and couldn’t help but snicker at him. Oh he was definitely going to hate taunting her now. Well, that’s what she had thought anyways. Don’t mistake what I had said for a compliment Korvin, remember, Nask is 4 now and has run many females. She couldn’t believe she had said that, and the pain she felt in her chest made her breathing catch in her throat. The memory of all those other people flashed before her eyes, and she could feel the tears welling up inside of her eyes. She forced herself to stay calm, and forced the tears back out of her eyes. She felt Nask’s mind press against hers, and she forced him to relax.

Nask tilted his head curiously as he watched Kosk look around for something. He wasn’t quite sure what she was looking for or why for that matter. After all, he was just standing right there in front of her. He jumped slightly at her voice, and the intimidating pose that she had taken. Nask not know? He tilted his head even further to the side in utter confusion. He really didn’t have any idea what was going on. That’s when he felt his handler’s stress and whimpered softly as he nudged her mind with his own. Something was wrong, but she pushed him away, which meant that she didn’t want him to worry about her. He shook himself out and stood before Kosk, still trying to figure out what it was that she was attempting to get him to participate in.

[Zirin]

He was shocked at the confession. So... did that mean he was nothing mroe than a distant memory then? The thought hurt a little, though he told himself it shouldn't. They had been nothing; just two candidates thrown into an awkward situation for a single night. It wasn't like she was never going to be with anyone else... especially since she was bonded to a gendered wher. Had she ever been consenting though... Korvin kenw he would hate to wake up next to someone, and he couldn't help but feel Naomi would have disliked that too. At least when he had woken up next to her it had been someone he knew... perhaps even liked.

He could see the look in her eyes and couldn't help but feel sorry for her. Not knowing what else to do he reached out and placed a hand on her shoulder, though he couldn't bring himself to say anything; not now that he felt so guilty about trying to taunt her.

A duel Nask! Duel with Kosk! She shook her head, whipping the stick around like a toy sword. She too, felt the weird feeling from her handler, but she knew how to know when she was needed. For now, Korvin would be fine on his own.

[Akira]

Naomi stood straight as she watched to see whatever reaction Korvin might have to what she had said. He appeared shocked, which wasn’t something she was expecting. Did that mean that he realized that she had never wanted to be with anyone other him? Or was it because of what she had said? She wasn’t sure, but she felt pretty confident that it wasn’t the former. Though, what if it was? She wasn’t sure what she would do if he had realized that she hadn’t been with anyone but him. She could feel her checks starting to redden, and she looked away from him. That’s when she felt the hand on her shoulder; she stared at it for a moment before following his arm up to his face. Once there she stared into Korvin’s eyes, willing him to understand that all she had wanted was him.

Nask stared at Kosk, trying to understand what was going on. Nask duel? He looked around as he spoke, trying to find a stick that somewhat looked like the one Kosk had. He yipped happily and pounced over to a stick that was roughly the same as Kosk’s stick. Nask duel?! He attempted to imitate what Kosk had done by swinging the stick around, but when the stick hit a tree he yelped and dropped the stick. He backed away quickly and stared at it as if it was going to jump up and bite him. He looked from the stick to Kosk, hoping that the other wher would come and rescue him. Or at least explain to him what on Pern was going on. It was pretty obvious that he had never played with a stick like this before.

[Zirin]

Well, no one ever said Korvin wasn't dense when it came to some things, and mind reading was one of them. He couldn't for the life of him understand why she was going red, and the way she was staring at him was unnerving, unsettling perhaps. Was she trying to say something or... he gulped again before finally shifting his gaze. "Y'could 'ave run away... Out 'ere there aint no one to force ya into the furs..." As far as Korvin was aware, Naomi had been with many people since their time together. To have stayed at the Wherhold and be forced into that... Korvin couldn't imagine it.

Kosk dropped the stick as she opened her mouth in a rumbling trill of laughter. For the large blue wher to be so scared of a stick hitting a tree was priceless. Silly Nask. Stick fight! She moved over to nuzzle him happily. She couldn't remember the last time she had seen a friendly wher, or any wher for that matter. Not to mention having a chance to properly socialize was never a bad thing. Kosk like Nask. She said in a matter-of-fact tone before picking up the stick again.

[Akira]

Naomi sighed and closed her eyes when Korvin looked away from her. She should have guessed he wouldn’t have gotten it. Then she heard him speak, but how did she tell him what she really felt? She had been afraid to leave the Wherhold after she had impressed Nask, and eventually she had just given up hope of ever leaving. But how could she make him understand that if he had only been there for her, or had taken her with him, things might have been different? But things weren’t different, and he hadn’t taken her with him. Instead he had just left without a word. She shook her head and sighed once again, she had failed to make him realize that she had needed him about as much as his own canines and wher did. Because of this, she put on her big girl face once again, and withdrew back into herself.

Nask growled at Kosk when she laughed at him. Nask not funny. His voice was a mumbled growl and he looked away from where the stick had fallen. He crooned when she nuzzled him though, and trilled when Kosk said he liked him. Nask like Kosk like Nask! Nask like Kosk too. He trilled happily as he spoke and did the same as she did and picked up his own stick. Kosk teach Nask? He chirped again as he tried to figure out how to hold the stick so that he could control it like the white wher did. He had to drop and then pick up the stick many times before he finally figured out how to hold it so that it wouldn’t hurt, or scare, him like it had before. He wagged his tail excitedly and looked at Kosk expectantly.

[Zirin]

Apparently that was the wrong thing to say. He really never would understand her, especially when she was going to be such a hypocrite. She had told him off for not saying what was on his mind, but she did the same thing only moments later. Really... how bad had things been at the Wherhold? Why hadn’t she just left? If it was a matter of wanting company, he had no doubt she could have tracked him down if she had wanted to… but she never had. That was about when Boar started wheezing again, and for once Korvin welcomed the sound; it was an excuse to end the silence for a bit. The hunter-turned-handler moved to the canine’s side, resting a hand on his head as he leaned down to listen to the male’s breathing. They would need to go soon. He would give Gray and Kosk a little more time to get food before calling them back. His shoulders sank sadly; so it had truly come to this. He would be forced back to the Weyr and things still felt beyond tense with Naomi.

Nask very funny. Make Kosk happy. She didn’t understand the problem. She liked the blue’s clutzyness. She wiggled in excitement as Nask picked up his stick again, willing to learn her game; one of the few things her handler would play with her. She picked up her own stick in her mouth again, the movement natural since she had long ago learned the perfect way to pick up her ‘sword’. Like this! Hi-ya! She called before shaking her head slightly, making the stick whistle as it cut through the air. It wasn’t a fluid sight at all, seeing the ugly draconic cousin shaking a stick in the air. She had fun with it though.

[Akira]

Naomi couldn’t think of the words that would express how bad she had wanted to run away, but how afraid of it she had actually been. She knew how silly it would sound in the ears of the other hunter, but that is what she had felt, and there was no way of changing it. That’s when Boar started wheezing again, and she was glad for the distraction. They needed to get him back to the Weyr, and soon. She bit her lip as she started to think about how exactly they would get him back. She really didn’t think Korvin would be able to carry the large male canine back, though she didn’t doubt the possibility that he would try it. She shook her head and sighed, she would just have to wait and see what the man would do. Then she would decide on a course of action.

Nask snorted at Kosk’s words, but otherwise ignored them. He tried to shake his head like she had, but ended up hitting his head on the trunk of a tree…again. He yelped, dropping the stick, and backed away from the tree. He bent his head and pawed at it with his paws. Nask not like!!! Nask head hurt!! He whimpered as he held his head down between his head. He was starting to think that this game would be the death of him. He turned his head and growled at the stick, he would make that darn stick pay for what it had done to him. He pounced on the stick, snapping it in have with a satisfying snapping noise. He looked down and picked up the smaller half of the stick, at least now he felt as though it would do little damage to his head.

[Zirin]

Sure, Korvin was dense and stubborn at times, but he did know how to use his brain from time to time. He was well aware that Boar was much too large to be carried for any distance; just getting him to this cave had been hard enough. Staying silent, Korvin went to the back of the cave and began fishing around in the few stored things he had there. Of course, he had been planning to go to Trelis for the next gather, so he had been working on getting materials. He came back out after a short while with a couple of sturdy wooden poles and dropped the, by the hide he had been cleaning.

“A travois perhaps…” He spoke more to himself than anyone else as he tried to arrange his thoughts. “Kosk won’t be able to pull it all the way though..” Either way, it was the only idea he had, so he bent down and used the materials to make a quick, makeshift stretcher. It would be dragged along the ground, and no doubt the hide would be destroyed by the time they made it home… but it would likely work. He looked at Boar, bent down next to the large dog, and tried to lift, failing miserably.

Kosk crooned sadly as Nask hit the tree again, realizing now that he was just too large for the game. Kosk sorry Nask! Kosk tiny so Kosk no hit tree. She crooned again as he pounced and broke the stick. Her head cocked to the side then and she sat down to listen as Hers called her back. Kosk’s say return. Come Gray! The little white motioned for Nask as well, before loping back towards the cave.

[Akira]

Naomi watched Korvin silently, not sure what to say, not that she trusted herself to speak anyways. Nask can pull it. Her voice was flat as she leaned against the wall of the cave and stared out. She was surprised that her voice held little or no trace of the pain and sadness that she felt. She had finally realized that there was no changing his mind and that once they got back to Trelis, they would go their separate ways. She reached out to Nask, and gently pulled on his mind, just as she had on several other occasions when she had waned to come to her without having to use words. She carefully closed off her mind after calling her wher to her, she wanted to be alone, inside and out, but she knew she was never truly alone, and could never truly be alone.

Nask snorted and shook his head careful as not to hit a tree again. Nask ok, Kosk no sorry. He crooned softly at Kosk as he spoke. He might have failed more than he had succeeded, but he wasn’t going to give up that easily. Nask big, Nask learn. Nask go Nask’s. He spoke almost at the same as Kosk did and he rumbled with laughter at that. He loped after the white wher, back to the cave where they had left the two humans, and three dogs. He wasn’t sure what was going on, but he had a feeling they wouldn’t be staying in the cave for very long after they returned. His feeling found root for when he got there, his was already getting ready to leave, and he wondered if Kosk and her handler would be leaving with them.

[Zirin]

He was beginning to think he could understand her moods a little better. She always seemed to withdraw when she became upset, though whether that was true, or just his imagination, was unknown. He nodded in response to her question. He needed the help of a larger wher… there was no question there. Once the whers had returned, Korvin pulled out the heavy harness he used with Kosk, though it wouldn’t fit the larger blue very well, he figured it would work.

“This’s it then,” He spoke again, looking over the cave he had been calling home for a while now. He tried calling to Nask, holding up the harness. Nask, Kosk’s need Nask’s help. Nask wear harness? Pull sled? Kosk was unsure of what was truly going on , but unlike Naomi, Korvin hadn’t cut off his connection the wher. Why Kosk’s no just make up? The white regarded him with intelligent eyes, though she made it clear she didn’t plan on intervening this time. Korvin shrugged to the wher. He would… later… right now he needed to help Boar.

“Shall we ‘ead out?” He held out a hand for Naomi, more a motion to signify he was leaving then anything else.

{want to end this here?}