Herbalists' Cache If it keeps on rainin'

He sought out the Ghost Talker in the earliest hours of morning, just as light began to bead along the horizon, and the mist began to lift. It might provide them with some secrecy, he thought. Those who hunted in the night might begin to retreat for rest, those who hunted in the morning had not yet begun their pursuits. Regardless, when he found @Kekoa, he attempted to make their outing look as though they were simply a pair of hunters, taking advantage of the weak light. 

We gotta talk a bit, He said, under his breath. We're gonna hunt while we do it, but this has to stay between me and you, He said. Got it?

Not exactly an early riser, Kekoa was still wiping the sleep from his eyes as Ridgeback led him away for a hunt. He needed to talk, and whatever it was about, it sounded important.

I can keep quiet. He promised. This was one of his few friends left in Saatsine: he would not take him for granted. That and admittedly, he liked a good secret as much as the next wolf.

He had no reason to suspect that Kekoa might turn him in. He nodded quietly, and then began to pace along, head lowered so that the tall grasses might keep any onlookers from being able to read his lips. His voice remained low, barely above a whisper. 

You and I, we're not Lanzadoii. We're not Saatsine. No matter how much we learn, or try to learn, they're never gonna see us as them. He declared, softly. Do you agree? he asked, his voice barely rising over the thundering beating of his heart.

He only nodded in agreement. Ridgeback was right.

They would never truly be Saatsine.

It bothered him. Maybe it always would. They were just as much Lanzadoii as Sun Eater's wife or the strays that had followed her.

Why should they feel like any less?

He let a few moments pass in silence, pausing to sniff a stale pile of deer droppings, always conscious that they could either be watched or tracked as they moved together. It was risky, seeking Kekoa out- but he still felt convinced that hunting was a reliable cover.

We gotta keep our heads low. Hunt, blend in, keep doing what we’re doing, He said, and when he spotted rabbit droppings, he motioned for the man to come and investigate- so they could be closer when he spoke next. 

The pack will split soon. Those that go with Sivaak and Star Eater and the kids, and those that stay. This much had already been decided and announced. Ridgeback had made it known that he intended to help with transporting the children. 

But…I have a plan, it’s…For Star Eater, and the kids. And I’m gonna need your help.

He followed closely, keeping at Ridgeback's flank until he was called to stand with him. He listened carefully, his tail still momentarily.

I'll do it. He spoke without hesitation. Smiling, he gave a gentle bump of his head to the other's; a rare display of affectionate comradery.

He trusted Ridgeback; he would go with him where he was needed. No matter what this plan was.

Though, he did wonder about his betrothed. The thought was quickly pushed from his mind.

He lingered a moment, leaning toward the other to lengthen their point of contact as a gesture to show sincere gratitude and trust. He motioned for them to begin to move again, cautioning Kekoa first. 

What I tell you, you can’t tell anyone. He said. Others will know about it too, just…Things have to stay super secret until…until it’s time. Got it? He asked, pausing for confirmation, before he lowered his head. 

To Kekoa he whispered, to be kept trapped in the Ghost Hunter’s memory. There, it would be safe; he kept his instructions brief, succinct. And when his explanation was finished, he looked to Kekoa, with something more keen, earnest in his eyes. 

You still agree to do it? He asked.