Watch Duty

[Sanzo]

Sanzo and Gryffon had been traveling since morning, and with the sky turning orange had the sun settling, Sanzo knew that it was time to catch some food and settle for the night. Sanzo had given his look to Gryffon who automatically knew it was his turn to go hunting for dinner tonight. With Gryffon gone, Sanzo set up camp and made the fire that was to cook the dinner.

He didn't know why he lead them here, Sanzo just knew something important was to happen at the Dragon's Watch soon. So instead of hearing about it through other people, he led the two here to watch first hand what was to happen. That's if he was correct and something did happen.

Gryffon had returned with a full deer carcass that he laid in front of Sanzo who immediately started cooking it. "Good work Gryffon" Sanzo said aloud to his familiar. It was going to be a long night for them and Sanzo knew it.

[Artemis Cryptmaw]

Dusk closed in quickly, the shadows of the trees disappearing into the forest, making it almost impossible to see within 10 yards into the forest. The edges of the forest where shrouded in a half light, half darkness, and within the shadows, a figure moved gracefully. A lithe body was graceful, yet short in stature, as she weaved through the treeline. With every tree she passed, she whispered softly to it, and placed a hand to it. A rustle would move through the particular tree, then it would settle once more as she moved on.

Artemis paused at the edge of the treeline, glancing out to the opening. The glow of a campfire caught her attention, bringing her whole body to feel the ebb and flow of the flames. She quivered slightly, and a little chatter from below snapped her out of her trance-like state. "Thanks Varden," she murmured softly.

Ignoring the plains which she had heard rumored held treasures beyond your wildest dreams, she made her way towards the camp, hoping to find someone who she could pass the time with. She lifted a hand in greeting, and paused at a safe distance from the place. Within the circle of light, she could see a black panther and a male figure sitting around eating that off what appeared deer carcass.

"Greetings," she called out, and bent over, and picked up Varden, holding him in the crook of her arm. "Might we trouble you to join your company?" she asked in a voice that, both sounded bored, yet lively.

[Sanzo]

Sanzo choked on his food just a bit when he heard an unfamiliar voice come from behind him. He knew people would be coming this way, but he only just sat down. He wasn't expecting anyone this soon. Sanzo took a quick look to Gryffon to see his reaction. It had appeared to Sanzo that Gryffon didn't even flinch, as he was still ripping away at the fresh carcass meat that Sanzo had given to him for his portion.

Sanzo turned to his guest, remaining seated still a little tired, "Sure by all means, come and join us. We still have some extra deer if you're hungry." He said as he waved to them a seat around the fire for them. Sanzo hadn't had company for awhile, so it was refreshing to him to finally see another face, that at least appeared friendly to him at first.

[Artemis Cryptmaw]

Artemis nodded, and moved in closer to the camp, wary enough to be very in tune to the weight of her sword in its sheath across her back. She circled the fire, and sat across from the male, kneeling down and resting on her knees and shins. She lightly placed the Varden down on the ground, and placed her hands in her lap, to keep herself from reaching out and taking some of the fire in them.

"Hello." Artemis finally spoke, after staring at the flames for a moment. "Thank you for allowing us to rest at your camp. I am called Artemis, and this," she motioned to the arctic fox at her side, "Is Varden." Varden gave a small chirping sound. She turned to look down at him, with a soft smile, then glanced back up at the male across from her.

The heat being emitted from the flames made his facial structure shimmer slightly, but he had a non-threatening look about him. Didn't mean a thing, but it was comforting to know. She glanced over at the meat, and gave a tiny smile. "Thank you. I myself am not hungry, but I know Varden would very much like some." Artemis' eyes followed as the fox trotted over to the food and began to gnaw on some raw meat, well clear of the panther's paws, but not so far away to cause offense.

[Sanzo]

Gryffon watched as the fox approached and started eating. Gryffon finished eating and noticed Sanzo dozing off. Gryffon went over to Sanzo, and brushed along his back as he passed him. Sanzo quickly jolted straight up, "Well I see he has already gone and started to eat, so he has the right idea. Make yourself comfortable while you're here." Sanzo added some more firewood to the fire just to watch it roar up in flames for a few second before finally settling back down.

"Well, sorry about me dozing off there. Now that we have more light and heat, may I ask you what brings you around these parts?" Sanzo sank back into his spot, only a little different from before he added wood to the fire. He did not exactly trust falling asleep with random company, and he did not want to doze off again. Sitting up, getting comfortable, and with deep intent, trying to figure out what his guest was up to, he stared right her without moving a muscle.

[Artemis Cryptmaw]

Artemis watched as the panther moved around the fire and behind the male. She hadn't noticed him closing his eyes. She must have been too absorbed by the fire. She swore at herself in her mind. She was trying to not let the fire control her. But it always had a way of catching her attention when she was not paying attention to herself. He welcomed her to get comfortable, and Artemis leaned slightly and pulled her legs out to the side. "Worry not. As for what we were doing here in these parts. We are but travelers discovering the world beyond our own home. As we were passing through the edge of the forest," she waved a hand towards the trees. "We noticed your campfire and hoped only to rest for a while before we continued on our way." Artemis blinked, not overly concerned. It was the truth and he either accepted it, or he did not and then she and Varden would be on their way.

[Sanzo]

Sanzo nodded to Artemis, "Me and Gryffon here always enjoy some good company around our campfires. Truth is though, we don't get company much." Sanzo had just finished his food before speaking to his guest and chucked the bone he had in his hand backwards.

Sanzo thought about what she had said about traveling, "Have you two been traveling long or are you two just beginning your travels? Me and Gryffon have been companions for as long as I can can remember." He said smiling over at his companion who was still eating his meal.