Clanwar

Difficult Allies?

~Everett~

“Why did you chase us?” Monaley asked the Šumians.

“Ciaran here saw you guys come into our territory. We thought you were someone else.” The one named Andy said sheepishly. Intrigue rushed through me.

“Who?” Monaley asked with similar intrigue.

“Just some nasty people who came through before.” Andy replied.

“And you thought that it was the two prettiest girls you have ever seen?” Monaley joked.

“Well if I had seen you without your hood, I would have chased you for a totally different reason.” Andy joked back. A smile rose on Monaley’s face and on Ciaran’s face.

“Would it have anything to do with the smoke I smelled?” I said quietly to him.

“What? How do you know about the fire? Were you the ones who started it!?” His voice rose and the group stopped. Monaley came up to my side as I stared calmly at Ciaran.

“What’s going on?” She whispered with concern.

“What’s going on is Everett just asked me about smoke. We never mentioned any fire. So how could you have known about it” Ciaran’s eyes blazed with anger and suspicion. For some reason, my chest ached in pain at his anger.

“Do you remember when we smelled the smoke?”

“Yea. You looked lost then.”

“That is because I felt like the smoke was all around me. It didn't just come from us it came from the other clans as well.” I whispered low enough so only she could hear.

“So, when we came here~”

“It’s the first stop. And Ciaran here just told me they went through a similar situation as us.” I said speaking to the two men.

“Similar Situation?” Andy asked before Ciaran.

“Did… did you guys have a big fire? Or did something burn down?” Monaley asked.

Andy cast a look at Ciaran and I already knew the answer.

“I thought so. We had a similar situation. One of our outposts got burned to the ground. I knew about your’s because I smelled the smoke.” I spoke, breaking the silence.

“How?” Andy asked.

Ciaran looked like his anger had died down a bit but his eyes still looked at us with scorn. But he had a calculating look along with Andy. I shrugged at Andy’s question, pulling my hood tighter as I squirmed under their gaze.

“It’s just something the R… just something Eve has always had. Her senses have always been heightened to extraordinary lengths.”

“You make it sound like I am an experiment Mona.”

I laughed in an attempt to lighten the mood. It seemed to fall on deaf ears.

Not knowing what else to do, I started walking away from the group. Someone’s hand gripped my arm and turned me towards them. I found eyes filled with hatred. I held my breath and waited for Ciaran to say something.

“Who are you?” He hissed through closed teeth.

“Someone who is trying to figure out what is going on.”

“That’s not what it seemed like at the cliff.”

“What happened at the cliff?” I questioned.

“Something strange. And I get the feeling that you are the cause.”

“I am not the enemy but I will give you a fight to remember should you make me one.”

Easing my arm out of his grasp, I took a step back. I glanced at Monaley and found that her and Andy huddled together seemingly enjoying the show. I give her a questioning smile which she returns with a shrug and smile of her own. Taking a breath, I look back to Ciaran. His face is a mask devoid of emotion.

“We would appreciate it if you would guide us to where your leader is. I have some things I would like to discuss with them.”

“And why should I do that for Zimian trash?” His words dripped with venom.

“Ciaran! Come one brother. She saved your life!” Andy spoke, his own words filled with anger.

“I am asking this of you, because someone is out there setting fires. If we aren’t careful, the next fire could take one of your own out.” I replied, ignoring Andy.

Monaley came up and gave my hand a squeeze. I glanced back and took hold of her arm looping it through hers battling the pain that came from the memories flashing quickly through my mind..

“You don’t have to if you don’t want to. I am sure we can make our way to them one way or another.”

“Actually, I would like to know why your mood changed. You were very polite to us before we told you our story. Andy is correct, Eve saved your life. Yet you are treating her as if she set fire to your camp.” Monaley spoke.

“How can we be sure she didn't?”

“Because she was with me and our unit on patrol.” Monaley was starting to get angry.

“How can we be sure you didn't start the one in our camp?” I retorted.

“We didn't,” Ciaran hissed.

“Neither did we. But since our trust seems to have gone out with the wind, I suppose you shall just have to make due with keeping your eye on us.”

“Hehe Aue. I think you should listen to them Ciaran. If you are that concerned, you might as well follow them.”

Andy clapped Ciaran on the shoulder before jumping ahead of us. He did a flourished bow, motioning for us to start walking. I let Monaley’s arm slip through mine as she follows Andy. I couldn't shake my thoughts as I turned to face Ciaran.

“Why did you say what happened at the cliff was weird?” We slowly followed Andy and Monaley.

“How did you not find it weird? The vine? You reached towards it. Like you were expecting it.”

“That doesn’t normally happen?” I couldn't hide the incredulous look in my eyes.

“What do you mean~ Of course that isn’t normal. Do you not have trees where you are from?”

“Really?”

“Right. Should have known better. Your kingdom of ice isn’t fit for something as warm and living as plants.”

“You are holding on to a lot of anger.”

“I have a lot to be angry about.”

“I am sure you do. And you have many reasons as well~”

“Shut up.”

“I will not be told to shut up~Mmph!”

“I said. Shut. Up. Look to the right.” His hand clamped over my mouth and he pointed to the right.

My eyes widened as a beautiful, lean creature came bounding out of some foliage. Closely behind, there seemed to be another one with horns protruding out of its head. Entranced by the creatures, I slowly started making my way towards them. They had matching golding brown coats. I reached a tree and hid behind it as the two creatures bent their necks and started feasting on the luscious green grass that poked up from the earth.

“What are you?” I whispered to myself.

“They are called Stags.” Ciaran’s voice came softly behind me.

“They are beautiful!” I could feel his eyes on me.

“You… You are so strange.” He made a loud noise, startling the Stags.

“What did you do that for?!” I whirled on him, slightly irritated.

“So the Ice Queen does have emotions after all.” He retorted. I simply glared at him.

“We need to get going. Andy and your pet have already gotten farther from us than I would like.”

“Don’t you dare talk about Mona that way.”

“Oh? And Why shouldn’t I? She follows you around like a lost animal and rushes to your defense when she smells trouble.”

“Listen here Ciaran. Mona is as close to a sister as I will ever get. I can stand here all day and take your insults but the moment you insult her, you had better do so prepared. Because I promise you, I will not let it go. And that is something you do not want on your hands.”

I walked away from him before my anger could well up any more than what it was. My cloak flowed soothingly behind me as I hurried to catch up to Mona. I could feel the branches scratch at my body and the rocks scrap at my feet through the thin shoes. But anger seemed to numb my body to any of the pain. I focused on one thought and prayed to the Gods and Goddesses that my encounter with the leaders here would be better than Ciaran’s interactions