“What?” Winter looks shocked at the wild conclusion Arch Extent had been led to. She knows Neil can sometimes be a person of a few words, defensive, and even overbearing, but why would he keep something about her tribe from her?
“You’re really pissing me off, scientist. Why would I keep something like that from her?” Neil crosses his arms.
“Because you didn’t react when it was mentioned she wasn’t affected by Cosmos Plague. In fact, you didn’t believe what Winter said and called it fictional, even after asking about it. Most importantly, you didn’t react to any technology I was using. I just think you’re aware about some other things really happening here on Division 5.”
Neil is stunned, and Fancy Hat destroyed a few more strings of attachment between the two. Winter is searching for answers from her Treetop sibling, and there’s no answers coming from Neil to reassure the huntress. Her heart is breaking, and Aiden has been watching on the side, unaware of what they’re discussing, seeing the tense drama unfold. This wasn’t what he expected when running back into the two hunters.
“I think your silence tells me everything, Neil. So, let your sister make her own decisions. You’re not doing her any favors trying to baby her.”
“Screw you!” Neil charges at Arch Extent, and Winter immediately jumps in the way to protect the scientist. The Treetop was fully ready to engage in combat, already reaching for his machete to swing it out at the scientist. The metal of his machete clashes violently against an arm of solidified ice, gritting his teeth as he sees that his sister had lept in to protect his enemy. Winter’s eyes are silver-lined, in disbelief that her brother didn’t even question when Fancy Hat called this place Division 5, or at any other of the scientist’s explanations. Years of trust were falling apart before her, and her brother didn’t even say no once.
Why the hell would he lie to me?!
“Winter, get out of the fucking way! I wasn’t kidding when I said he’s not someone you should be around!”
“The fuck do you know about Division 5? You better fucking tell me right now!” She bares her teeth while her ice is blocking his machete.
“I’m just trying to protect you from him! He’s the one who wants to do some inhumane shit to you! Don’t you see that? These kinds of people take other Tribesfolk away to do that!”
“Who told you about that?” Winter holds her position, making sure her other arm is free to block any other incoming attack from her brother. Neil is a formidable hunter, incredibly strong, and even faster than Winter depending on the conditions. However, the situation was quickly diffused as Aiden stepped in. Aiden wrapped his arms from behind Neil to pull him away from Winter.
“Let it go, Neil! I don’t like seeing you two fight like this, okay?” Aiden uses all his strength to yank him away, fingers clutching tightly to hold him in place. Neil tries to calm down and lowers his machete, knowing Aiden is simply trying to stop him from hurting his sister further. “I don’t know what you all are talking about, but how about we all come to an agreement? We’ll all head to Knyocke. We can get things sorted out on the way. You and Winter can have a civil chat, the man in the strange hat can get his things repaired, and maybe I can get filled in on what I’ve missed. How’s that sound? We’re all going to the same place anyways. So, let’s all work together.”
Arch Extent is quite amazed at how the Blazerock rushed into the situation and watches as Winter places her ice claw down. Her fist is clenching, and she’s trying desperately to hold back runny sniffs, not letting a single tear fall. She’s not sure who to really trust between everyone, but all she knows is that she’s not on good terms with Neil. For the scientist, this is a win, even if it’s something painful that his Winterlance companion will have to solemnly handle.
“I understand the contract is null and void. And I promise you I don’t want to hurt your sister. Whatever it was you were told or witnessed, it’s not my intention to bring harm. I simply hired her to help escort me. It’s up to her if she wants to resume the contract after the Hightop Summons, or if I have to find another hunter to be escorted. Speaking of–” Arch Extent turns his head towards the Blazerock hunter. He doesn’t like the idea, but seeing how the fiery-haired man was able to try to bring everyone to common ground, he might prove useful and not as much of a nuisance as Neil has been. “Blazerock hunter, I’d be happy to give you the contract then if Winter doesn’t want to continue it.”
“Wait! Fancy Hat! Don’t you need me for…Well, you know.”
Fuck, I might have sounded needy there for a minute.
“I need you. But it’s your choice, not mine.”
I need her more than ever. But I know she’ll make the right choice.
“I want you to come with me to the Hightop Summons then. We can finish the contract after that and do the other thing.” Arch Extent reassures her.
“WHOA–” Aiden instantly lets go of Neil, who had managed to reluctantly calm down. Neil nearly trips over as Aiden shoves him away in an energetic burst of surprise. “I have definitely missed quite a few things! Are you two, like, implying something here.”
“Implying something…?” Arch Extent raises an eyebrow.
“It makes so much sense why Neil is being an extra asshole lately! Neil, I didn’t know you were really pissed because Winter had the hots for this guy! And he’s also totally into her, too! It all makes sense!”
The huntress feels crimson sneak up on her cheeks as her eyes go wide. She won’t deny she’s been having a few fluttering thoughts about the scientist, but there’s no way her and Fancy Hat had been doing anything of that nature. Arch Extent, who once had his guard up, lost any form of self defense and easily succumbs to heavy flustering. His eyebrows raise, and he entirely knows what the Blazerock was suggesting now, stunning him like a deer in the headlights. Neil was even more flabbergasted by everything that had transpired, and Aiden Blazerock of all people, who had the attention span of that of a small fish, only gathered that out of the conversation.
“W-What?!” Winter feels far too embarrassed to even turn towards Fancy Hat, not wanting to know how he felt or how he’d react seeing her in this state.
Arch Extent is silent and feels his gaze slowly fall on Winter, trying to draw some rational denouement for what behavior would have implied such a thing. He and Winter were simply business partners; there wasn’t anything more to it than that. He doesn’t possess any romantic intention towards the female huntress, only that he’d deduced her value is far beyond his. Truth be told, he can’t remember the last time he’s ever really allowed himself to be interested in someone that way; the way the Blazerock implied.
“Well, yeah! The way you two stare at each other. Body language, ever heard of it?” Aiden places his hands on his hips, waving his gloved hand out. Neil stands up and is scratching the top of his head.
“You really have no idea what was being discussed…at all?” Neil inquires.
“Nope! I just know that you need to relax. And just let things…progress.”
Progress? Aiden, you fucking moron! I don’t think I can stand here any longer. Fuck this. Winter is yelling internally.
“I’m getting some fuckin’ food. I can’t deal with you three right now.” Winter turns the opposite way from the crowd of the three men, making sure the black hood is firmly tucked over her head. She’s praying the shadow it casts hides the crimson splattered all over her cheeks, as well as the nervousness plastered at every inch of her mouth.
Arch Extent watches as Winter walks away, hearing the struggle in her voice. Normally, he’d follow her, but he feels it’s best to give her a bit of space before catching up. Neil walks after Winter, reaching a hand out to her until it’s violently slapped away. Her expression is revealed as she turns towards the group of men, the conjunction of irritation boiling over and the flustered mess she’s trying to hide under the hood.
“I told you, I’m getting some fuckin’ food! Alone! The three of you can figure out what you want to do. Let me sort through some shit, and I’ll be ready to talk again later. Worst case scenario you see me back here tomorrow.”
“But Winter–” Neil tries to retort.
“No. Especially you, you’re the one I’m really pissed at, and my stomach growling isn’t helping me think!”
With that, she walks off.
-
It’s later in the evening, and Winter finds herself sitting alone at a tavern, listening to the scuffles of heavy feet, as well as the loud echoing conversations amidst. A few Tribesfolk are playing Divon exclusive instruments, with three or four Blazerocks dancing by it. She tries to drown them out, taking a bottle of booze and slowly letting it pour into a glass cup. She takes a swig and exhales after she feels the burning sensation seep across her throat. The female has developed a habit of drinking on occasions, especially ones like this where she felt alone, unsure, and confused as to what she should do. Aiden was a dumbass, but he was a good-hearted one, managing to diffuse a situation like that. If it weren’t for him, she wasn’t sure if she would have gone truly toe-to-toe with her big brother over a man she only met a few days ago.
There’s no way I’m head over heels for him. I don’t even remember the last time I was like that for someone! But he’s non-tribe, and he seems to listen to me. And…at least he’s honest. I wish my brain would stop thinking.
“You look like you could use some company,” a woman states as she slides in next to Winter at the bar counter. The huntress is stunned for a bit, a bit tipsy, but finally registers there’s a Blazerock woman next to her. Piercing red eyes, just like the color of an Earth ruby, stare at her. Winter isn’t exactly that comfortable with the woman checking her up and down, though it’s more or so out of curiosity. “And you got quite the eyes as well. A shame someone with special eyes like that looks like they’re sulking.”
“Piss off,” Winter demands as she looks away, taking the last swig of her drink. “I’m not looking for company right now.”
“Just thought maybe you could use a friend to talk to. Maybe even get out of here. I know somewhere we could go.” The Blazerock woman scoots up against Winter, a wide grin on her face. Her brown locks sway with her movement, nearly putting a finger or two on Winter. The huntress moves her chair away, then immediately gets off the stool hastily.
“I’m not looking for your company. Learn to take ‘No’ for an answer.” Winter slaps down a golden gem, tipping the bartender with an extra one before walking out. The Blazerock woman frowns, but decides to not pursue her. For now.
The sun begins to move past the horizon, bringing the night forth as Winter walks outside the tavern. Torches around town light the main paths around the shops, stalls, and whatever was left of the residents that were out and about. Several Tribesfolk focus on closing down their shops, late night bars remaining open as well as inns to offer a place to stay at. She never told the three men where she’d be, where she was staying, or when she’d meet back up with them. She could head to the Hunter’s Lodge to stay for the night, but she’s unsure if there would be another rivaling confrontation between her and her big brother. She also doesn’t want Aiden breathing down her neck with the one-sided crush he’s had on her for so long, knowing that he’d go after any woman who had a heartbeat.
The only person she wondered about was Fancy Hat. Where was he? And is he safe? He looked panicked when she walked out from the Hunter’s Lodge, before Aiden and her brother interrupted them. He wanted to talk to her in private.
“I should find Fancy Hat. He’s the one who was going to pay me a hell of a lot of gems. Crap. Where would I find him?”
The only thing she remembers saying is she’d be back at the Hunter’s Lodge by tomorrow at the latest. Maybe he’s expecting her there? She doesn’t want to face the other hunters, but she figures she should return to it.
Fuck it. I’ll go back
It doesn’t take long for Winter to return to the Hunter’s Lodge, standing in front of the building. She sighs and as she steps forward, bracing herself for whatever hard-to-swallow conversation would happen between her and Neil. Her heart still hurts, but she stops her train of thought as a hand swindles it to her wrist. Instinctively, the woman uses her other free arm to slap away whoever her enemy was.
“Winter.”
Except it was Fancy Hat.
“Don’t do that, Fancy Hat! And where the hell did you come from?! I didn’t even hear you!” Winter relaxes, pulling her arm away from him.
“I followed you.”
“You what?! Do you stalk people in your free time or something?”
“No. I followed you to the tavern you were at. I figured you needed space and waited until you left. But I reserved a room at the inn across from it, just in case.”
“I don’t even know what to say besides you’re a creep.”
“Our discussions about Cosmos Plague aren’t done yet. And your brother is a big issue.”
Winter wants to bark back at the Arch, but for once she’s in agreement with him. She’s still not ready to face Neil. The huntress crosses her arms and feels her fingernails grip in her skin slightly.
“Yeah, I’m aware he’s a pain in the ass right now. I just didn’t…think he’d be keeping secrets from me. I don’t really know how to feel about everything.”
“It’s not uncommon for some natives to know about Division 5. However, he was deliberately keeping information from you. Which means someone told him, and that’s not good. And I don’t know the extent of how much he was keeping from you.”
“I know that, genius.” She pushes that snide remark at him.
She is smarter than she looks. I wonder if she could prove to be an example of…No, it’s too soon.
“Let’s continue talking in my room then. You can stay there for the night if you’d like.”
The huntress swears her eyes go wide for a moment, and her cheeks light up once more. Winter quickly composes herself. She’s never had a client ask her to stay in a room with them before, at least, by herself. She’s always paired up with Neil when it comes to sleepovers. But her and Fancy Hat? She shouldn’t and yet…
“Yeah. Let’s head there.”
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