So what now? (Katydid50 x 5Bulletproof-Marshmellows)

[5Bulletproof-Marshmellows]

She already knew it wasn't the city. If he ever went to the city he wouldn't last for too long. They simply couldn't switch places. She still was a bit surprised she had managed to get an arrow of all things into her arm. How often did that happen in the world? Biting her lower lip, she didn't argue with him, she wanted to get the arrow out of her arm. Taking in a bit more air, she looked at her other hand that she wasn't moving, blood was dripping of the finger tips. She didn't want to leave a trail for someone to follow. They followed that law even in the city. With some difficulty, she moved her had into the pocket of her jacket so the blood flowed into the fabric instead.

We'll see about that, she thought when he said that he was getting the arrow back. Grace did not plan on giving it back to him no matter what he thought. He was definitely not touching her arm. When she got some light and the tools she needed, she would fix herself up under someone's instructions. Looking over at him when he said to follow him, she walked by him. She took note of which direction they were going in and whatever unique landscape she could make out in the dark forest.

Staying as silent as possible, she made sure that the end of the arrow didn't brush up against any trees. It would hurt even more and she didn't want to end up screaming. That would draw too much attention and it would end badly for both of them. Grace kept her eyes on his back for now as she followed him. If he tricked her.. well she wouldn't go down without a fight.

Finally hearing his voice again after walking for a quite some time, she found out that there would be two more guys. Family to him. She wasn't sure how comfortable she would be around his family but hopefully they would be nicer than he was. "What about spring and summer?" she asked him, her voice barely audible. She didn't know why she had asked him that. It did give her something else to think about though.

Her eyes scanned him for the moment as he looked out into the trees. He really did belong here. It made her jealous for a moment that he knew so much about the forest. Then again she had plenty of knowledge about the harsh yet beautiful city.  

[Katydid50]

Continually scanning the area, Wolf searched for the familiar landmarks that would lead him home. Even so, he was constantly aware of the girl trailing behind him, if only because she made so much damn noise. Wasn't there any debris on the streets of the city? Did she not know how to walk without sounding louder than a charging bear? "You tramp through the forest like a three-legged moose," he said quietly, matter-of-factly. "Can't you walk any quieter?" He didn't care if her wound was bothering her. It shouldn't have affected the way she walked.

At her question about the rest of the year, he glanced back at her, one eyebrow raised before looking back ahead a few seconds later. What did she care where he lived the rest of the year? Mentally shrugging, he said, "During the spring and summer we live with the rest of our tribe, among my father's and grandfather's people." Most of the tribe had started to move on but some still clung to the old ways. Of course, everyone did but to varying degrees. The people his age were more and more letting go of the old ways to embrace a world that would never truly accept them, in Wolf's eyes anyway.

He fell silent after that, ignoring any comment she may have made. They were drawing near to his home now, having left the invisible borders of the previous property to enter the one he and his family lived on, and he needed this time of quiet to consider how he was going to get through this with as little trouble as possible.

Far too soon, his home came into view.

It was nestled in the middle of a clearing just large enough for the cabin and the small barn that rested behind and off to one side of it. There was a small paddock next to the barn for their horse, Batlo, but it was currently empty. There was light coming from the windows, dampened by the curtains, and a trail of smoke coming from the chimney. Not one to delay the inevitable, Wolf cast a glance at Grace before leaving the shadow of the forest to cross the clearing and walk up to the front door.

Pushing open the door, he was assaulted by the smell of cooked meat, leather and all the little smells that he had no names for but a thousand images. Stepping in, he set down his bow and quiver beside the door. His father looked up from the book he was reading by the light of candles and the fire but looked back down as soon as he was it was just his son. Wolf's grandfather sat opposite, in a rocking chair and wrapped in blankets and a large pelt.

Wolf's father was the most white of the three. His hair was tied back in a ponytail that ended at his shoulders. He wore blue jeans and a blue plaid button-up under a deerskin vest. Wolf's grandfather wore his hair in twin braids that rested on his chest, one of them decorated with a pair of feathers. Underneath the layers of blanket and pelt, he wore traditional clothing similar to Wolf's own.

"Father." The man looked up again, his dark brown eyes slightly widened with surprise. Wolf avoided using English whenever possible. When Grace entered the cabin, the man blinked in surprise before standing. He was taller than most, at one inch off six-foot but he had the build to avoid making him appear lanky.

"Wolf, what have you done now?" The man's voice was soft despite his words. His son, however, ignored him in favor of walking over to the old man and kneeling before him, speaking gently in their own language. The hardness that was so evident with Grace had not vanished when Wolf spoke to his father but any harshness at all left him when he addressed his grandfather, something even of respect coming into his face.  

[5Bulletproof-Marshmellows]

Her eyes glared at him when he pretty much said that she was loud and giving away their position. Grace didn't snap at him though, the pain in her arm was growing the more she moved and parting her lips would probably end in her crying out in pain. Feeling a bit light headed once more, she closed her eyes for a moment and leaned against a tree. A second later she was back to walking, making sure that he didn't notice her momentary stop. There was no way she was going to let him see her as weak.

A tribe? Of course she was curious about it but at the same time she knew that if they were like Wolf was then she would not be welcomed. Exhaling, she realized she hadn't thought about what his father would do. Hopefully he wouldn't get a shot gun and fire to get her off his property. It was too late to turn back now though so she would face whatever his family brought her. As long as she came back home all in one piece she would be happy.

Seeing a cabin and what looked like barn, she blinked. She hadn't really expected to see a barn but she guessed it was normal to have one out here. Swallowing, she had knots twisting in her stomach. Why was she so nervous? There was a possibility that she could get killed but if she wasn't going to run, there was no point in that.

Taking in a deep breath, she slowly followed him, making note of what direction they had come from. Noticing the paddock now, she wondered what farm animals they had. Pigs would probably be too noisy. Chickens would be killed quickly by the coyotes and whatever other animals there were. Turning her attention back to the house, she stood outside the open door for a moment since the boy had already entered. Hopefully he would be true to his words..

Entering the house, she could smell the food. She hadn't had dinner and whatever they were cooking was delicious. Grace didn't show any signs of her hunger though as she immediately made sure there was more than one exit. Her eyes then scanned the room to look at the two people. The first man was most likely his father. He was tall and not exactly skinny. Grace would have squared off her shoulders usually but at the moment one of them was wounded, so instead she simply straightened her spine.

Finding Wolf knelled down by his grandfather, she noticed that he held quite a bit of respect for that man. She couldn't understand a word but she guessed that he was explaining what had happened. Grace did wish he would hurry up though, she didn't know how long she could stand here before her knees gave in. She had lost quite the amount of blood even with the shoelace and her hand doing it's best to stop it. Her eyes went back to Wolf's father making sure that he didn't come near her. Words didn't leave her lips considering the fact that this wasn't her home, her culture and she didn't know what would be appropriate to say.  

[Katydid50]

Leaf's eyes scanned over the young girl Wolf had brought to them. The arrow protruding from her arm stood out. So, too, did the blood that welled between the fingers she held over the wound. He had no idea how Wolf could have possibly shot her. He was one of the best hunters Leaf had ever seen, and that wasn't just fatherly pride talking. Wolf could have easily stepped out of a history book for all that he was like the people of the old way. Even the elders had to admit that. And yet, Leaf was reluctant to even consider that his son had shot the girl on purpose.

Setting his book down on the seat of his chair, he crossed the room, sliding past the girl to close the door. The weather had turned quite cool in the last few days and his father, who had had trouble handling cold weather throughout his entire life, was suffering for it even more than usual. Despite it being one of his greatest fears, he was sure his father would not make it back to the tribe this year, something that Screech himself had confirmed.

Turning back to face the room, he looked the girl over again. She wasn't like any of the girls around here. He could see that simply from the way she held herself, the same way that Wolf held himself, with defiance and a challenge. It was all he could do not to sigh aloud.

"I'm not going to ask what you were doing out in the woods at night," he said, walking around to stand in front of her and so he could get a closer look at the wound. "I'm curious, I'll admit, but I won't ask. However, the arrow has to come out and quickly, before infection starts to set in. Wolf!" He turned his head, watching as the boy, startled, jumped before turning his head to scowl at his father. "Make a marigold poultice, please, and quick." For a few moments, he thought the boy would refuse. In fact, he was sure he would argue if Screech had not spoken up, quietly telling Wolf something that even Leaf's sharp ears couldn't pick up. The boy huffed but the defiant look fell from his eyes and he got to his feet, wandering off to the bedroom Leaf shared with his father and where he stored the herbs.

Walking over to the small table that sat against the wall under one window, Leaf picked up a carving knife, frowning as he examined the blade. "It will hurt, I'm afraid. I'll do what I can to make it as painless as possible but there is only so much I can do." Deciding the blade wasn't as sharp as he would have wished but knowing he coudn't take the time to sharpen it, he turned back to Grace. He narrowed one eye as he studied her. "You're Elenore Darling's daughter, aren't you? You look like her." Without waiting for her to answer, he continued. "I apologize for my son's terrible manners. My mother really did go to great lengths to try and teach them to him. My name is Flies Like Leaves In Wind, but most people call me Leaf. That is my father, Screech of Circling Eagle, an elder of the Mahluwhanook tribe."

A sudden exclamation of 'Whet eir erentskmoor?' elicited a sigh from Leaf. He set down the knife again, excused himself and disappeared into his bedroom, leaving Screech alone with Grace. The old man's eyes, unlike his son's and grandson's, were as pitch black. He watched Grace unapologetically but gently. Wrinkles gathered at the corners of his eyes and mouth and his hair, once black as night, was now completely silver, nearing white. He did not speak but looked Grace over, curious but not in any way wary.

((Just so you know, I'm totally making up their tribe and language, and most of their culture too. The translation of what Wolf called out is 'Where's the goldenrod?' ))  

[5Bulletproof-Marshmellows]

Seeing the man's eyes on her, she looked back at him, not sure what he was thinking but she sure hoped they would offer her a seat of some sort. Losing blood was taking a toll on her and yet she still had her pride. She also didn't know anything about these people. The fact that Wolf wasn't doing to help the situation wasn't exactly in her favor. She still planned on taking out the arrow on her own, she just needed the supplies and a place to rest for a little while. Despite the fact that Wolf thought he was getting the arrow head back, he was deeply mistaken. Anything that had wounded her at some point, she kept. Of course it was hidden quite well, she didn't want Deserai finding any of it since they shared a room.

Being pulled out of her thoughts when the man moved, she moved away slightly as he closed the door. Her fingers curled a bit more around her arm, wishing that things could move a little faster, yet she seemed patient on the outside. She looked back at Leaf, her chocolate brown eyes trying to figure out what he was thinking, her shoulders still held strong even if one was in a good amount of pain.

Hearing his voice, she couldn't help but think that it sounded a lot like Wolf, just deeper. Grace held her ground even if he was close, she wasn't going to let him touch her wound through. She wouldn't answer his question even if he had demanded it. She knew that the arrow had to come out, that's why she was here to begin with. "Do you have a clean knife?" she asked him, the only way she could think of getting the arrow out was by sliding a blade along it and pulling it out like that. She hoped it would work, she didn't want to have an arm that couldn't function, especially in the city.

Noticing that Wolf was going to argue before his grandfather spoke, she couldn't help but wonder why he was being so defiant if he had brought her here to get his precious arrow out. Watching Leaf move again, she had to fight the urge to pull out her own knife when he picked up a carving knife that was on the table. Wait, what? He thought he was going to be taking the arrow out? "I'll take it out. I just need supplies." Grace kept her eyes on the knife though, she wasn't going to let him near her wound but she would let him instruct her. She simply didn't trust people.

Her eyes widened slightly when he said that she was Elenore's daughter. "How do you know my mother?" her voice became a bit protective, unsure of what to think now. Her mother had never mentioned anyone that was part of a tribe, or any friends that were native to the land. Of course he still continued to speak, probably not even hearing what she had to say. When he apologized for Wolf, her jaw clenched slightly. She wouldn't forgive Wolf when someone else was apologizing for him, even if it was his father. Hearing their names, she nodded her head briefly. "Grace." she was trying to conserve energy and she didn't want them to see how much pain she was in.

Wolf's voice rang through the cabin and the man left. Her eyes glanced over at Screech, who to her surprise was watching her. Blinking, she looked back at him, unsure of what she should do. The silence was a bit awkward for her but his eyes didn't even waver, so she did the same. His black eyes threw her off slightly, she had never seen someone with that color and yet they fit him perfectly. Grace held no hostility towards the older man, but she did feel a bit uncomfortable under his gaze though that didn't show in her outside appearance.

((Sorry for taking a while with this post >< Thanks for letting me know ^^ ))  

[Katydid50]

Leaf's eyes missed nothing. He watched the way she moved away from him when he got too close. She was cautious, this one. Tough, too. Whether she saw it or not, she and his son were cut from the same cloth. Undoubtedly, that meant she was a fighter. In the city, that wasn't necessarily a good thing. He had heard enough stories from Daniel what the city was like and he knew a girl like Grace, or even his own son if he was not so opposed to the white people, could easily become tangled in things that led to nothing but trouble.

When Grace asked if he had a clean knife, he raised an eyebrow. "I keep all of my knives clean for this exact reason," he told her. "You never know when someone will show up on your doorstep injured and unable to get professional treatment." Leaf purposely ignored the scoff that sounded from his bedroom. He knew very well of Wolf's contempt for modern medicine but thought now was not the time to get into that particular arguement, again.

After he had moved to the table and examined the knife, he tilted his head when she started to speak before looking up when she said she would take the arrow out. He stared at her for several long seconds before he burst into laughter. He laughed for many seconds before finally regaining control. Even though he'd stopped laughing, he couldn't rid himself of the amused grin. "Even the warriors of old did not treat their own wounds unless necessary. Though I do not doubt your courage or strength, you would not be able to remove the arrow on your own, especially one of Wolf's arrows, and still have the strength to disinfect and close the wound. You're all but swaying with weariness now as it is."

When she started to question him about his knowledge of her mother, he was surprised at the protective tone she took on, then not surprised at all. After all, she was the white, female version of his son. He may have been a stubborn, defiant little skettae but he would not allow anyone outside the family to harm someone inside the family, a fact which had left him stunned in the past. In all honesty, he had lived in that area for six months every year for the past ten years. Before that, his father and mother had lived there for another seven. Between the three of them, there were very few people, and their families, that they did not know or know of, including the Darling's. He had seen Elenore and her children coming or going from Rose's home many times.Despite all his thoughts, he had long since learned the art of keeping said thoughts off his face, a talent his son had yet to learn. Or, perhaps, had learned too well. It was many times that Leaf suspected that Wolf was not as angry as he put across to the world.

When she finally introduced herself, Leaf nodded back before turning to his father and translating what had been said. The elder man remained silent, his eyes remaining steadfastly on their visitor.

As Leaf left the room to assist his son, Screech watched Grace. Though his body was failing, his mind was as sharp as ever. He took in all he could from her stance and the way she had interacted with his son. He watched her surprise when she finally looked at him. Uncertainty flicked across her face for a moment before it vanished. Even still, he could feel it in the way she stood. She was no longer as steady as she had been, neither in body nor in spirit. The smell of blood was steadily filling the cabin. He thought it ironic to be glad that their dog, Wahknah, had died. The creature had always been wary of new people and the smell of blood would have pushed him too far. He had been like Wolf that way.

"Rehn Tehresk Waht." You should sit. Knowing that she, most likely, wouldn't have had any idea what he'd said, he removed one hand from the blankets his son had bundled him up in and motioned to the other chair in front of the fire. Unlike his son and grandson, Screech had no English and, being as old as he was, he saw no reason to learn any now. But, in any event, the girl was weak and getting weaker and should not have still been standing.  

[5Bulletproof-Marshmellows]

So.. he was a doctor? Weren't they supposed to report injuries like this to the police? That was the main reason she usually fixed up her own wounds. She didn't know if she had put herself into a trap now, after all he would probably see a few other scars that were on her arm. Grace knew she couldn't leave but she knew she was definitely making sure that she was leaving as soon as possible. Why hadn't Wolf mentioned that? Going home would have been worse.. but if this man said anything to her family, who knew what would happen?

When he started laughing though, her eyes narrowed slightly. Did he not think she was capable of doing something like that? Then he finally spoke. Warriors of the old? Well that didn't necessarily mean anything to her, since if she did get help it would end badly. Especially one of Wolf's arrows? What had he done to the arrow? Why did this have to be so complicated? Even though he mentioned that she was weary, he still didn't offer her a seat but to be fair, she didn't ask for one either. Staying silent, she took some air, looking at her wound briefly before putting her hand back, applying pressure.

Her last question had not been answered yet but she could wait a little longer. She needed to get her wound treated though as soon as possible. Now that Leaf was gone though, she was alone with Screech. Grace couldn't help but think that those dark eyes were ever watchful and maybe even wise. There was something about him that she couldn't put her finger on.

Hearing his voice, she understood what he meant from the gesture of his hand. Noting all of the blankets, she wished she could wrap herself up in one, it was getting rather cold for her because of all the blood loss but at least there was a fire. "Thank you." her voice was soft and low, even if the man didn't understand her words. Grace moved over to the chair, she sat down slowly, making sure that her shoes didn't leave dirt in the rug that was on the floor. Looking at the warm fire, she was thankful for the heat it offered.

Grace didn't relax though, even though she wanted to badly by now. Her back was rigid and her jaw clenched, doing her best to keep the arrow from doing any more damage than it had already caused. She was sure that she had a fever by now, her body trying to recover from all the loss of blood and fighting off any possible infection. It seemed like Leaf and Wolf were taking forever, or maybe time was just moving slowly for her.  

[Katydid50]

((Just so I don't have to keep making up words, I'll write in complete italics when they're speaking their own language.))

Screech watched Grace take the seat. Though he didn't know any English words, he knew enough to know that she was thanking him. That was something many people didn't seem to realise. You didn't need to understand a person's words to know what they were saying. Their bodies spoke plenty enough for them, and Grace's was saying that she was tired, cold and grateful not to be standing anymore, though she seemed hesitant to relax. He could understand that. In a new place, injured and surrounded by strangers. He would be tense too.

For the first time since her arrival, he looked away. Leaf returned with Wolf close behind. The youngest male had shed his outer layer in favor of his buckskin breechclout, leggings and shirt that would keep him warm enough inside the cabin without making him sweat. He was also carrying a bowl. The smells from it quickly wafted through the room, sharp herbal scents that reminded Screech very much of his childhood.

Leaf retrieved his knife from the table and Wolf, characteric frown set determinedly on his face, crouched down by Grace's side, his frown deepening when he caught sight of her poor coloring. Screech watched as his son came around Grace's other side, ignoring any comments she may have said in favor of saying, "She is not going to make this easy. She is even more stubborn than you are, as difficult as it may be to believe." Wolf's frown turned into a full-out scowl.

"That is because she is scared, though will not admit it, even to herself," Screech told them calmly. "She will demand to do it herself but she cannot. Tell her that she has nothing to fear." The two other males looked at each other before Wolf translated Screech's message.

Screech already knew that Grace would not take his advice not to be afraid. Anyone in their right mind would be at least worried. That was why he would do it. Untangling himself from the blankets and pelts, he slowly pushed himself up from the chair, ignoring the concerned looks and questions thrown his way. Wolf jumped to his feet and asked him what he was doing, repeating the question even more insistantly when Screech walked over to him. "Grandfather, you should not be up! You should be resting!" A single word from Screech silenced any further arguements Wolf may have voiced.

"I may be old and I may not be well but I am not useless nor am I an invalid. Plus, I'm better at healing than the pair of you combined, and you know it, Leaf." He watched a small, slightly reluctant smile flash across his son's face. "I will heal her and she will rest here for the night. It is too late for her to being going through the forest and she is too weak. Wolf, she will have your bed, seeing as you're the one who shot her. You will take her back in the morning."

Wolf didn't say anything for several moments before huffing and turning to Grace. "My grandfather will be tending to your injury. Afterward, he says, you will remain here until morning when I will bring you back. He says you are to have my bed, since I'm the one that shot you."  

[5Bulletproof-Marshmellows]

Letting her cold feet warm up by the fire, she stayed silent, not wanting to bother Screech and besides, she didn't have a whole lot to say. Swallowing, she kept the amount of pain that she was feeling to herself though she was sure her arm was going numb from it by now. It didn't seem to be as intense as before. If this was her home she would sleep by the fire every night, it was so comfortable. The floor wouldn't be a bad place with the nice rug on top.

She felt the man's eyes leave her and then she heard two sets of footsteps. Looking over her shoulder, she winced as the pain increased with the small amount of movement she had done, but she did manage to see who it was. Wolf had changed into some different clothing, of course he would have taken his sweet time doing that. Her posture changed to being more cautious once again. Catching the strong herbal smell that managed to overcome the smell of meat cooking, she tried to get a look at what was in the bowl without giving off that she was curious.

Her shoulders became more tense when Leaf grabbed the knife and Wolf crouched besides her. "Keep your distance." she said in a low voice to him, moving to the edge of her seat so he wasn't as close. Her eyes narrowed slightly. Now with Leaf at her other side, she couldn't take being cornered like that, so she got up, despite the fact that her legs begged her to stay in the chair. She was about to tell them once again that she'd do it on her own when Screech spoke up, catching her off guard.

She watched Wolf's reaction and realized that they were talking about her. Her eyes narrowed only a little bit, doing her best to understand what was going on. Leaning against the wall with her good shoulder, she listened before hearing Wolf's translation. "I am not afraid." she snapped at Wolf, even though those words weren't technically his.

Grace blinked when Screech started to get out of his blankets. Too many people were moving around and it was setting her more on edge. Why was he getting up? She could see that Wolf was concerned about his health and was trying to get him to go back. Screech though, was determined to do as he pleased and she didn't particularly blame but then again, she still didn't know for sure what he was planning on doing.

Wolf was silenced with one word and Grace slowly moved back to her seat now that at least one of them had moved away from it. Watching the two closely and making sure that Leaf didn't come any closer, she waited for one of them to translate what he had said. The silenced dragged on for a moment before Wolf finally spoke in her language.

Screech would be healing her? She blinked. Why was he doing this? Grace wouldn't argue with him, but she didn't know how she felt about sleeping in this cabin. Of course facing a mountain lion wouldn't be the best thing either. If she was able to walk fairly well though, she would go back home. After a moment's pause, she spoke, "Where does he want me to move to?" she asked, looking at Screech now. She knew that if she was in a chair it probably wouldn't be the best way to take out the arrow. Maybe if she set her arm on a table it would work though. Cutting off the sleeve of her jacket would be difficult as well without causing her more pain but it had to be done.  

[Katydid50]

Wolf had felt Grace's eyes on him the moment he'd come back into the room. She must have been starting to relax because she tensed as he drew near. At her warning to keep his distance, he shot her a look that said he would not be taking orders from the likes of her. It was a look that he often sent his father's way, although certainly with a fraction less spite.

When Leaf came around on the other side and Grace got to her feet, Wolf glared at her and did the same. What was this girl thinking? Did she honestly overestimate her own strength that much? She was all but swaying with weariness. He may have been stubborn but even he knew the limits of his own strength. Before he could get the chance to tell her off, he was distracted by his grandfather speaking up, catching everyone's attention.

When he, reluctantly, translated what his grandfather had said, he snorted at her statement that she wasn't afraid. "Then you are a fool," he said flatly, choosing to ignore the fact that he wasn't the one who had said she was afraid.

When his grandfather started to unwrap himself from the mass of blankets and pelts, Wolf's eyes widened but his words were quickly silenced by a single word from Screech. Even though he, uncharacteristically, did as he was told, that didn't stop his concern for the eldest male. He was under no illusions about his grandfather's health. In fact, the man had always been prone to illness. Unfortunately, he'd been getting worse and worse over the past two years, ever since Flowers Dancing in Breeze, Wolf's grandmother, had passed. Though no one ever said it, he feared that this winter would be the man's last. Even still, he wanted to postpone that as long as possible.

Wolf fought not to stare at the floor like a child, instead watching as Grace returned to her seat. At least now she wasn't in danger of collasping. Though, it probably would have been a mercy if she'd already passed out. It would have made things a lot easier.

When Wolf translated the news, he watched surprise flicker across Grace's face. Honestly, he was quite surprised himself. Screech was a very good healer but he was also old and weak. Luckily, though, he wasn't shaky. When Grace finally responded, he offered the question to his grandfather before repeating the answer. "He says that you won't be getting up anytime soon. He's surprised that you're still fully conscious and he won't risk you falling over on the way to the table." While he said this, Screech spoke to Leaf who, in turn, walked over to the table, picked it up and carried it over to Grace's side so she could rest her arm on it.

Stepping out of the way, Wolf grabbed a chair from where the table had been and dragged it over. Screech took the seat, gently picking up Grace's arm and holding it closer. Wolf tried to read his grandfather's expression but failed. His grandparents were the only people in the world that he'd never been able to read, at least once. Suddenly remembering, he picked up the bowl and set it on the table, beside the knife.

After nearly a minute, Screech set down her arm. Without giving her the chance to think about what was going to happen, he reached up, grabbed the arrow and broke it off as close to the skin as he could manage. Without a glance, he tossed it into the fire, much to Wolf's unspoken dismay. Almost automatically, he picked up the knife, carefully cutting her jacket in a small circle around the remaining arrow shaft. "Help her take off her jacket," Screech said, glancing at Wolf. The young man bit back harsh words, instead stepping up to Grace's side.

"I have to help you out of your jacket, unless you can manage it on your own," he told her.  

[5Bulletproof-Marshmellows]

His glare told her he wasn't going to be listening to her and she knew pulling out her knife, if she could even manage to pull it out now, wouldn't do any good. Of course she didn't think she would be able to pull out the arrow head now, too much blood had been lost but she didn't trust Wolf or Leaf. Screech was a different story though.. and she wasn't sure why.

When he called her a fool, she narrowed her eyes, swallowing back the urge to argue with him. Saying anything offense wasn't something she would do, this was his home. She would respect that despite how stubborn she was. Biting the tip of her tongue, she stayed silent but watched him nonetheless. Perhaps she was a fool but gaining trust from her was a hard task, maybe even impossible. Leaf and Wolf certainly didn't receive it. She didn't know how Screech had gained it so quickly.

Grace couldn't help but feel horrible for being the cause of him getting up. He seemed fine with it. Leaf and Wolf on the other hand weren't too happy. No doubt they would hold that over her head if she ever saw them again after the next twenty-four hours. Hearing his voice and then Wolf translate, she didn't bother to say that she had enough strength to move around. She knew that she didn't. Getting up had made her dizzy as it was. Grace stayed silent, simply waiting for things to unravel now.

Looking at the table briefly, she slowly put her arm onto it, wincing a bit as well. Her skin was so pale by now but the blood had stopped running for the most part now. Her eyes returned to Screech when he sat down, and she watched him closely as he picked up her arm, being gentle about it. It still caused her pain but she kept it inside as best as she could.

Her eyes briefly flicked over to the bowl when it was set down before looking at her arm, trying to figure out why he was looking at it for so long. What happened afterward was a blur, she had exhaled sharply from the pain before looking at what was left of the arrow, not even noticing Wolf's reaction to it. Hearing the unknown words, she then knew what they meant when Wolf spoke. Biting the end of one of the sleeves, she pulled out her good arm first and then turned her attention to her injured one.

She knew perfectly well that Wolf didn't want to help her, so she was going to do this on her own. Gently pealing the cloth away from her shoulder, she didn't move her bad arm. It moved over the broken arrow and she kept it there for a moment, trying to figure out how to pull the rest of it off without moving her arm. Failing to come up with a good solution, she glanced at Wolf. All that was left was to pull the sleeve down from her elbow and off her hand. "If you wouldn't mind.." she told him, unsure if he would help and even if he did, she doubted he would be nice about it.  

[Katydid50]

Wolf watched flatly as she struggled out of one of her jacket sleeves, even after he said he would help her. She really was as stubborn as was, even more so. He knew when to accept help, usually. Even still, he watched as Grace pulled the jacket down on her injured arm, freezing as it pushed over the broken arrow. He raised an eyebrow, waiting for the inevitable.

After several seconds, it finally came. Stepping forward, he leaned over her arm. As he took hold of the jacket, he was surprisingly gentle in pulling it down and off her arm. Even though he didn't like white people as a matter of course, and Grace even less, he knew what it was like to be in pain and all but helpless. Giving her jacket a shake so it straightened out again, he set it over the arm of his grandfather's pervious seat. While he did, Screech carefully pulled the remaining circle of material up the shaft of the arrow before handing it to Wolf who set it on the rest of the jacket.

Returning to his grandfather's side, he watched as Screech lifted her arm yet again, looking over the wound before speaking, which Wolf translated. "He says that if you feel yourself slipping, don't fight it. This isn't going to be pleasant." Working on someone who was unconscious was much easier than working on someone who was awake. Unsconscious people you didn't have to worry about screaming or even fighting you.

The next minutes passed in complete clarity, for Wolf at least. He watched as his grandfather made three cuts away from the arrow's base, in line with how the arrowhead had gone in. The next part had been messy. The cuts had started bleeding almost immediately but they then had to be pulled open to allow the three prongs of the arrowhead to come out. Blood had pooled over Grace's arm and Screech's hands but the old man had never been deterred in the slightest.

Once the arrowhead was out, Wolf put it on the mantle above the fireplace for safekeeping before returning to watch his grandfather start on stitching the cuts back together. Only once that was complete did he wipe away the blood and apply the poultice, wiping it liberally across the lines of stitches before wrapping the whole thing in bandages. Wolf noted how similar in color Grace's skin was to them, mentioning it to his grandfather who hummed in acknowledgement but didn't seem too worried.

All the while, Leaf stayed nearby, keeping watch over Grace herself, looking for any signs that something was wrong, other than the obvious.

((I would have written more but I didn't know if you'd have her passout or not.))  

[5Bulletproof-Marshmellows]

She was tense as Wolf moved the rest of her sleeve off her arm. Grace was extremely grateful that he was gentle. "Thanks." she said in a low voice, barely audible before she looked back at her arm as Screech pulled the rest of the fabric off. Her arm was swollen but that was to be expected. She was surprised that her jacket wasn't damaged even more but she knew she was going to have to wash it in a stream or creek before going back home. There was no way she was allowing her mother or siblings to see the amount of blood that was on it.

Her shoulders became even more tense when Screech lifted her arm. The last time that had happened, he had moved quickly, not giving her time to react. Nodding her head, she then moved her other hand to her lips. Grace did everything in her strength to not reach for her knife when the man began to cut her skin. She watched though but not without biting her hand to remain silent.

Holding her head up with her hand once he started to pull out the arrow, she felt herself slipping. She couldn't hear anything. Her heart slowed before she allowed herself to lower her head onto the table, her eyes barely open as she watched him stitch the skin that looked white by now. Swallowing, she took in a deep breath of air, she let herself slip away but not before she spoke, "Don't think that you're going to get to keep that arrowhead." Her voice was low and weak, maybe even a little joking tone in there somewhere. A small smirk was on her lips. She planned on saying thank you once she regained consciousness.

All the pain disappeared for the time being and her shoulders moved slightly with every breath she took even if it was shallow. She certainly hoped that no one would move her though. Grace liked staying in places that she knew that way she knew how to leave them as well if she had to. To all of them she would look rather peaceful, her red curls framing her face and falling over it in some places as well. Her shoulders still looked a little tense but one couldn't expect her to relax completely in a strange place with people she didn't know that well.

((It's alright ^^ mine wasn't too long either >< Didn't really know what to say after she passed out. ))  

[Katydid50]

By the time his grandfather had finished tending to Grace's injury, Wolf found himself grudglingly respecting her. All through it, she hadn't made a sound and he had to admire that. Despite the fact that she still thought she was going to get the arrowhead. Even as she left consciousnes, a smirk played on her lips. He didn't know whether she was joking or not. He assumed she wasn't so he made a mental note to hide the arrowhead later.

Wolf took a step off to the side when his grandfather finished. Leaf quickly ushered the man back to his previous seat, obviously with the intent of wrapping him back up. Wolf snatched up Grace's jacket, and the patch, setting it over the back of the other chair. He tilted his head, causing his earring to start spinning, reflecting the firelight. Her curls looked almost blood-colored, contrasting strongly with her frighteningly pale skin.

Shaking his head, he straightened his neck before stepping forward. She couldn't sleep like that, or there. Using some left over bandages to bind her arm to her chest, he carefully picked her up. For all that he wasn't overly built, he was strong for his size. Carrying her out of the main room, he entered his own room. It was small and simple but he liked it. Against one wall was a basic desk and chair. Againt the other, opposite the door, was a shallow box filled with pelts that served as his bed. Balancing carefully, he pushed the top pelt, a bear's, aside before laying Grace down and covering her up again.

When he returned to the main room, closing the door behind him, he immediately crossed over to the fireplace. On the mantle, beside the arrowhead, was a stack of bowls. He grabbed one and served himself up some of the stew that was simmering over the fire. Taking a seat at the table, back in its normal place, he only half-listened as his father, quietly, told him off for being so careless. After all, it wasn't his fault that the deer had spooked nor was it his fault that Grace had been in the forest, at night and just so happening to be in the line of his arrow.

Eventually, his father gave up.

Wolf finished his stew and picked up Grace's jacket before returning to his room. Closing the door behind him, he paused, looking over the girl's sleeping form. He watched her for several moments before walking over to the desk. He grabbed the chair and pulled it closer to the window where moonlight was pouring through. He examined the hole in it for a minute before returning to the main room for a needle and some thread.


By morning, Wolf had finished patching the jacket. He rested in the chair still, fast asleep with his head on his crossed arms, his arms on the mended jacket and the jacket on the desk.  

[5Bulletproof-Marshmellows]

Grace stayed limp in his arms as he carried her. She definitely wasn't waking up any time soon. The wound had drained a lot out of her and she needed the sleep. Her eyebrows furrowed briefly as she was placed down onto the bed but other than that there was no movement from her.

Taking in a deep breath, Grace opened her eyes and stretched, immediately regretting that she had done that due to the sharp pain that came to her. Her eyes widened though when she realized that she still wasn't home and she had been moved from her previous spot. No doubt this was Wolf's bedroom. She was grateful for being moved though, despite her stubborn side, she really didn't want to have a sore neck and back when she woke up. Looking around, she noticed how simple the room was and yet it had everything that was necessary at the same time.

Her eyes lingered on the boy's sleeping form, noticing that he had her jacket. It couldn't have been comfortable to sleep in that position. Frowning, Grace got up as quietly as possible, trying not to think about which animal the blanket on top of her had come from before she got to her feet. Briefly turning her attention to her bandaged arm, she adjusted the sling that had been made for her. Walking up to Wolf, she noticed the needle and thread not too far from him. He had mended her jacket? Surprise covered her face. Why would he do that? Confused she ran her fingers over the sleeve of her gray jacket before letting out a soft sigh. She didn't want to wake him up though so she decided to leave her jacket there for the time being.

Even though he was stubborn, and even rude at times she still knew that at least he took responsibility for his actions. It still struck her as odd that he had mended her jacket though. It wasn't too big of a hole and she could have lived with it like that. He was definitely different from anyone she knew and she wasn't sure if that was a good thing or not.

Walking quietly to the door, she opened it, hoping that it wouldn't creak. Waking him up was really the last thing she wanted to do. He was rather peaceful when he was asleep. It seemed like that was the only time they weren't throwing glares and insults at each other. Deep down she knew that they could probably learn from each other but she wouldn't admit it. Lowering her head she slipped through the door and closed it silently behind her.

Standing in the main room now she looked around, wondering if the others were awake. After all she did have to thank Screech for mending her arm and Leaf for letting her into the house at all. Wolf.. well she would thank him later if he wasn't being a jerk to her. Not that she was nice to him.. but oh well.