Swiftcurrent Creek Drunk, and I'm feelin down

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Restless legs. Restless mind. Just Restless. And angry so freaking angry. For wren to call him selfish. He couldn't even fathom. And had she deserved hia harshness possibly not, but he knew self induced pain when he saw it and he was so sick of the drama everyone had problems everyone hurt. The important thing was to handle it healthily and no one in this godsdamn pack did that. It was infuriating.

He moved from his spot where hed been sleeping and headed towards the border. He stood there and wondered would it even matter if he slipped over that edge and just kept walking. Ah but he couldn't do that to them.

Eshe had been hiding away in @Akavir's den and recuperating since she'd rolled her ankle. Although she was far from fully recovering, she felt well enough to feel comfortable leaving the den to stretch her legs.

She had decided to head towards the borders, and was unsurprised to see that Arric was heading in that direction. He was much quicker than she was, and so he quickly pulled ahead and out of sight, but that was fine—she'd catch up eventually.

When she did catch up, she quickly cued onto the heaviness that surrounded him; although she didn't know what was going on, she could sense something was up.

Hey ... she greeted, her voice hesitant as she hobbled to his side.

Arric hadn't seen Eshe since the day Akavir had been down in the dumps. And honestly he hadn't wanted to seek her out. Not because he didn't like her. Because frankly as with wren he was just tired of it all. Akavir couldn't get his head out his ass. Wren kept trying to get a wolf who as far as Arric knew cared only about Eshe and yet he was torn. It was all so..frustrating. She had all but said she was trying that she was a third wheel. That was her problem to get over and not let it eek into daily life.

A noise and he tilted his head and met the gaze of Eshe.

Hey. He answered quietly. What's up, princess.

He was quiet; something was definitely wrong.

Not too much, she replied, sitting and exhaling heavily once her bottom hit the ground. I messed up my ankle looking for rocks, so I've been laying low, she elaborated, unable to hide the smile that had spread on her lips. It's so dumb, she said, primarily to herself, and laughed.

How're you? She asked as she looked at him, wondering if he'd be forthcoming about his feelings.

Arric just didn't want to talk. He was still stewing iver the small argument. And honestly jormally he could let things go move in, but he just couldn't let this one go.

He chuckled. not dumb to take care of yourself. You did good.

He felt her gazing at him, evident by the prickling in his shoulders.

Am i selfish Eshe? Because i don't like drama?

As always, Arric found a way to make her feel better. Thanks, she said a bit bashfully. I still feel pretty dumb about it, but I appreciate you saying that. Because, truthfully, he didn't have to do that. He could have said that if he thought she was stupid and continued his day.

When he spoke again, his demeanor shifted, and he said something that concerned her. No, she said swiftly and sternly, Not at all—I don't like it, either. She wasn't sure what was in the air, but whatever it was stunk; something fishy was happening. Why do you think that makes you selfish? she asked, wondering where this came from.

Arric hoped he eased some of her stress. She got to up in her head sometimes. He had hoped meditation would help, but it hadn't seemed too.

He gave a dry chuckle. Because i was told it was, because i wasn't as concerned as i should be i guess, about their current plight. Im not sure. Ive been to angry to seek out the wolf in question. Afraid my mouth would get real disrespectful.

What he said was incredibly vague and interesting, and she wanted to know more.

It’s probably for the best that you stay away until you can have a respectful conversation with them, she agreed thoughtfully. But … I guess my main question is why they think their life should matter so much to you? Who was he talking about? Unless they’re in some serious trouble? Only then could she understand the anger on the other’s side; she didn’t have enough information to give a fully informed answer.

Arric was vague for a reason. Frankly he didn't like airing dirty laundry anyway. And he hadn't fully had a conversation with Wren.

because they are a pack mate i guess. Or maybe because i wasn't as caring the other day. When i found them, but shit im tired.

He sighed and look3d around and took a breath. But that's my problem.

He didn't know what to do or say or fix this. And honestly he wasn't even sure if he wanted too. He was still pretty salty about it.

Yes, Eshe replied, half joking, half seriously, You could use some more rest. She would continue to nag him about getting enough rest until he didn’t seem so tired all the time.

She sought his eyes, her expression serious, as she asked, Do you need to meditate? I’ll practice with you.

A soft chuckle. Can't wecall though. 

There was no denying he loved this pack. And they all had their share of issues. For a brief moment he wondered if he'd ever seek out compaionship of a more true kind. It seemed these wilds were not kind to those who loved.

I was actually getting ready to do a border patrol.

”I was actually getting ready to do a border patrol,” Arric said.

Oh, Eshe replied, feeling a sting of rejection, knowing she couldn’t join him. Alright, yeah, sounds good. She said, forcing a smile as she awkwardly climbed onto all fours to indicate she’d leave him to his duties. Just let me know if you need anything, okay? It was hard for her not to take this personally.

Arric blinked surprised.

Hey whoa wait a minute.

He shifted so he went around to cut her off from leaving.

For a second Eshe i forgot about your paw. The invitation was there, but we can either meditate or go fishing either one of them, would work for you. Actually fishing maybe be better for it with cool water on it.

A small smile, ears crooked one up and one down he hadn't meant it how it sounded. He truly had forgotten she had twisted her paw.

Eshe felt relieved when Arric stood, moved, and prevented her from leaving.

Yeah, she agreed, her expression brightening. Water would be good for my ankle. Let's do that! Eshe couldn't remember the last time she'd been fishing, and although she knew she wouldn't be much help, it'd be fun to hang out and watch him hunt. Do you think there's a way I could help you, even with my ankle being hurt? I'll probably have to keep it elevated for a bit to help with blood flow.

Arric shook his head amusement on his face. Eshe was a trip. He liked her, but Akavir was gonna have his hands full until they could build the girls confidence. And if Arric knew anything it was confidence. He was a cocky bastard at the best of times.

Well, you can help me descale it. And just cheer me on. Talk to me about whatever. You know just the normal stuff.  And you may even be able to try your paw at catching one or two long as you don't press too hard on that footpaw.

A small smile her way. And he lead themctowards the water. Though he kept an eye on her to make sure she didn't stumble.

Arric gave her options, and Eshe considered them briefly. Although joining in on the fun was tempting, she feared she'd slip up, literally or figuratively, and injure her ankle further. I can help you look for 'em, she decided as she followed and limped towards the water. Is there any particular kind you're looking for? Or just any kind of fish?

She hadn't expected the water to be so chilly and felt shivers run up her spine. Brrrr! she exclaimed, sitting where the water went halfway up her legs. It would be easier for her to spot the fish from here, and hopefully, being in so deep would help her quickly adjust to the temperature. She turned to the Beta and flashed him a smile.

Ready when you are, she confirmed as she lifted her injured leg onto a submerged rock and rested it there.

He shook his head. Not looking for any kind. Just enough to fill some caches so we have something more than nothing to get us through the winter.

He was worried about it. He didn't know how they were going to make it. They hadn't had many big hunts, their caches were filled with fish, small game, some birds and maybe one or two large pieces. They really needed to rectify that, unless Wren or Akavir had filled it further than he had seen too.

A small smile. Yea it can knock you for a loop with it's iciness sometimes. We won't be able to fish much longer as the season continues.

He stepped near her and nodded. Then let's get started. Now you'll have to tell me when you see it's shadow, because water refracts light.

She nodded and turned to the water, searching for anything they might’ve been able to fish. After a few minutes of looking, a wiggly shadow appeared just upstream, and it quickly swam towards them. Eshe perked, following the shape with interest

How about a snake? she asked, pointing towards it with her injured paw.

Eshe was quick to watch and wait. Her eagerness showing itself in the way she held herself. He hid a smile and moved forward a ways. Watching, though the river was pretty quiet. Many of the fish not feeling up to showing themselves, but he couldn't quite blame them. IT was colder now. They moved slower. They did not have the warm sunshine on silver scales as they moved closer to the surface this time.

He watched her paw and blinked. He stared at it and gave a nod. Alright Yea I can try. It's not poisonous, cause it isn't on top of the water. Did you know that? If a snake swims on top it's poisonous, and if it is under it's not. There are also ways to tell in their eyes, but I'm not one for gazing into the lovely reptilian eyes of murder ropes.

Huh, she hummed in response to his factoid, I didn't! It was interesting to her that they could easily identify if it were poisonous or not—she'd have to be more observant of other reptiles she came across.

Then, she wondered, Do they even taste good? Would it be worth their effort? She couldn't remember if she'd ever tasted one before.

Arric chuckled and nodded his head. Yea. I forget who taught me that. Some woman in a pack we were near I think. I mean who really wants to mess with them much anyway, but it's nice to know if they can you know kill you or something. You know.

He tilted an ear forward and dipped his muzzle. Taste like chicken if  you're lucky.

He sprang forward and snapped at the back of the creature's eyes. Right behind, where he was thinking it's neck was. It wriggled and moved, the most awkward feeling honestly. But he chomped down hard, fangs piercing the scales and he fought to go down through.

Tossed it to the  nearby bank and watched it wriggling, but it didn't move. Proof to him it was dying, but not dead yet.

He turned to look at Eshe and gave her a small wink. IT moves for a bit yet. But it's dead. Did you know they can even bite you after they are well dead. It's crazy.

He chuckled. Ready for some more fishing lookout.

Eshe had never had chicken before, so the reference was lost on her, but she trusted that it tasted good.

Arric sprang and quickly killed the snake and tossed it on shore. She watched as it writhed for a moment before turning back to him. That's ... so weird that it does that, she remarked, scrunching her nose. Do you know why it moves like that even though it's dead? He seemed to know a lot about hunting and prey. How does it even do that? A shiver ran up her spine, and she shivered as she gave it too much thought.

With their talk of snakes done, they were ready to move on to the next thing, and she turned her attention to the water. She didn't see anything and figured all the fish had been scared away from the splashing. Nothing here, she reported.

Too many times Arric had to raid farms along the wooded edges. He knew what humans were, and the strange things they kept in their dens. Such strange creatures they were. But well they had good tasting little animals underfoot. Usually. Granted you had to be careful when you went for them. And sometimes those pesky two legged creatures got real upset at you digging in their land. 

He shook his head. No i'm afraid I Don't. Just know it does. Maybe it just doesn't know it's dead? I mean I don't know how anything could possible know that, but then again i've never been dead. So. A deep of his head. A glance to the snake again and then back to her.

A shrug of his shoulders. He didn't know why they were the way they were or what they did or why they did. Just that they did strange things. They also slept deep in the winter. And if you happened upon them it was such a strange thing to see.

He chuckled and quit moving. We have to be a little patient. We stirred em up and now they're a little wary. But if we stay real still and don't move too much. They'll come back around.

He took a minute to recenter himself. Took a deep breath. Closed his eyes. Inhale, and Exhale. And again. Then when he opened his eyes, there was a bit of a calmer demeanor to him.

Eshe laughed at Arric's explanation, realizing he had a good point. You know ... you're right, she agreed, giving the snake one last and long glance. I've never been dead either, so I guess we'll find out when that happens. She turned to him again, her eyes bright with mirth. I'll come back and haunt you when I know the answer, she teased.

He then fell silent, and began to meditate, and she followed suit. She closed her eyes, deeply breathed, and timed her breaths accordingly. Although she didn't practice as much as she wanted, Eshe had done it a few times since Arric taught her. When she opened her eyes again, she exhaled as shivers ran down her spine.

I always forget how good that feels, she remarked. I can see why you practice.

He lifted a paw and a wolfish brow. Alright but no piss poor scaring. I better shit myself or it ain't worth it. Got it?

A sodt chuckle. It does. If you're not careful it can be almoat addicting, but at least it isn't a terrible one. And look at that.

A dart forward and a quick grab and a large scaled fish joined the snake on the shore.

A grin of ivory and red as he shook his head, the water falling off in droplets.