Son of the Shadows RK Style

Walking into the tent with a sigh I notice Dog and Gull whispering in the corner of the tent while keeping an eye on Jin who is fitfully sleeping not far away. The men suddenly stop speaking as soon as I begin to walk towards them.

Raising a brow at them I jokingly inquire, “Why have you two suddenly become quiet? Are you gossiping over me?”

The men just look at me with an amused look on their faces. I’m sure they are internally laughing over something and I’m now sure I am somehow a part of their amusement.

“Out with it,” I state in irritation. “I can’t stand it when people act so secretive. I might not be as intimidating as the Chief but I assure you I will have the two of you speaking in a matter of minutes.”

Smiling at me Gull replies, “I believe it. We are not hiding anything. If we were you would not have any indication that we were.”

“Hmm,” I retort unbelievingly. “I’m pretty good at sniffing out plots of mischief. You can call it a gift.”

“I’m guessing the Chief wasn’t far off when he nicked named you fox?” Gull asks in fascination.

“He had her to a tea,” Dog states with a playful grin.

“It’s nice to know where your friends lie,” I retort with a sigh. “If you two won’t tell me what was so amusing earlier it won’t be pretty. I don’t need any more strange events occurring right now.”

“So something interesting did occur between the Chief and you?” Dog asks while sharing a secretive smile with Gull.

“So you admit that you were speaking of me earlier,” I state with annoyance. With a sigh I inquire, “Whatever it is you wish to get off your chest ask it now.”

“Why are you so irritated?” Dog asks in concern. “I’ve never heard you sigh so much in a single conversation. Did the Chief say something to upset you? Did he threaten you?”

Taking a deep breath I reply calmly, “He didn’t harm me; I’m just confused.”

Sharing a concerned look with Gull, Dog inquires, “What caused you to become confused?”

“It’s nothing much,” I state with a half smile. “I just need some time to absorb everything that happened. A lot of things occurred this evening that were unexpected.”

“Unexpected is an understatement,” Dog comments leaning towards me. “If it makes you feel better this evening was unusual for all parties concerned. It’s not every day that a band of warriors are told a story none the less one so well told.”

“A story?” Gull inquires with wide eyes.

With a proud smile directed towards me Dog replies back, “A very tragic story of a soldier and his son. It stirred a lot of emotions out of the crowd especially from the Chief.”

Looking at me Gull states in admiration, “That must have been a great story to get such a reaction from the Chief. I wish I hadn’t missed it.”

Shaking my head I humbly comment, “Truly my storytelling wasn’t all that great. I’m merely a novice in comparison to the rest of my family.”

“You are far too modest,” Dog states with a kind smile. “I would like to meet your family one day. They must be incredible storytellers if your statement is true.”

I stare at Dog in disbelief. I could only imagine the implications of having Dog meet my family. I’m sure that would be quite a surprise for both parties. That is a situation I would like to avoid. My brother might be amused however I doubt my father or Uncle would be.

I wonder how my family is doing. I hope that they aren’t too concerned over my whereabouts. I have never gone so long without giving my brother word. He must be hysterical right now. I feel even guiltier for the fact that I’ve been gone for several days yet never gave them more than a glimmer of a thought.

And how could I forget my mother? I hope she doesn’t become too ill while I’m gone. I wouldn’t be able to live with myself if she died before I had a chance to say goodbye.

“Megumi,” Dog softly calls me while putting a hand upon my shoulder.

Nodding my head I reply back calmly, “Yes?”

“Are you alright? You nodded off for a second,” Gull comments speculatively.

“I’m alright,” I state shaking the two men’s concern. “I’m just a little tired.”

“That’s understandable,” Dog warmly replies, “We’ve all had a long night. You should get some rest.”

Not saying a word Gull looks over at me in concern. I’m sure he doesn’t buy my excuse however he does not begin prodding me with questions. For that I am thankful. Right now I just want to go to sleep and forget about the strange events of this evening. I don’t know why but for some reason I want to keep the conversation between the Chief and I private. We didn’t share anything that might be deemed intimate however something changed and I’m not quite comfortable with it. I’d rather keep this evening inside and never speak of it aloud.

After checking on Jin’s condition I curl up under my blanket and quickly fall into a fitful slumber.

*******

With a jolt I quickly sit up from my bed in a panic. Looking around the quite room I grab my chest in an attempt to calm my hastily beating heart. Noticing that all is fine I slowly rise from the bed and walk outside the tent. Normally I would not attempt such a thing however I know that I’ll be unable to rest until I get rid of whatever anxiety is plaguing me. In times like these the best medicine is to walk myself out of my thoughts or in many cases exhaust myself physically until my mind can no longer function. Either way I cannot do so in a tent.

So ignoring all common sense I walk out of the tent. As I walk to the side of the tent I notice a dim glow coming from a few yards away in the woods. The light has me fascinated. If an enemy were stalking the camp I doubt they would have a lamp lit so close to the camp but if it were one of the men why haven’t they reprimanded me? Something is off with this light. It’s not like Bran’s men to sleep on the job or slack on their duties. Could I have woken up having somehow sensed something was wrong? If that is so, what could have happened that needed my attention? Did one of the men hurt themselves?

In a panic I suddenly run towards the light. I only hope that I’m not too late. Who could be out there and why have none of the other men picked up on it? Doesn’t Bran keep watch during the night? Why isn’t he at the scene?

As I make my way through the foliage I come upon the figure of a man lying with his back turned to me. I cannot make out who it is however his raspy breathing has me fearful. Is the man injured and in shock?

Not wasting any time I run to the man’s side and place a hand to his brow. As I’m inspecting him I take in his appearance. In shock I recognize the man before me. Why is Bran out here sleeping?

With a sigh of relief that the man beside me is not sick or harmed I begin to pull my hand from his brow. My wrist is firmly caught by his firm grasp as a childish voice pleadingly invades my mind, “Don’t go. Please don’t go away.”

Settling myself in a more comfortable position besides him I quietly whisper, “It’s alright Bran. I’m right here.”

Tightening his hold his breathing becomes uneven and his body begins to shiver uncontrollably. My arm begins to jolt in pain as the nightmares plague Bran further.

“Bran,” I quietly state in concern. “Please let go of my arm. You’re hurting me.”

“Please don’t leave me. It’s so dark. Don’t leave me again.”

Realizing the severity of the nightmares I lay myself next to Bran as I begin to reassure, “It’s alright. I’m not going anywhere. I promise.”

As he slightly begins to relax his grip I desperately attempt to slow my breathing. Though his grip is still far too firm I will gratefully take the offered freedom.

In hopes of calming him further I begin to speak as if to a child, “I used to hate the dark as well when I was a child. I often would pretend to be strong in front of my sister; however I was always thankful when she would join me in my bed. It’s scary being alone but as long as you have someone close beside you it’s easier to bare.”

I smile as Bran’s whimpering begins to subside. I know that the man next to me would never whimper aloud so I can only assume that the mental connection between us is still intact. If the situation weren’t so severe I would attempt to speak back to him mentally however this is neither the time nor place. He is distressed and whatever images he is reliving I cannot interfere. To do so could risk the chance of mentally scaring him. I may not like the man all that much but I will not cause him any sort of duress.

“When I’m scared it helps me to become distracted. Sometimes just listening to a voice can help soothe away your fears. It used to help my sister. Since I have no other ideas and you can’t answer me back I’ll do my best to keep talking. It’s worth a shot at least.”

Giggling I comment, “You know, maybe I should keep you this way. You’re far easier to manage when you aren’t talking. It’s a shame you can’t stay so civil when you’re awake. How pathetic is that? I’ve never been known as a lively girl or necessarily the most accommodating though I do pride myself on being able to hold a conversation. I even have a man interested in courting me back home who finds my wit and poise enamoring yet when I’m near you it’s as if my whole personality changes. I’m nothing like the reliable person my village has come to respect and admire; I act like a spoiled brat.”

Looking upon Bran’s face I sigh, “I don’t get it. Why do you have to be so frustrating? Why do you bring out the worst in my character? Why can’t I just turn my back on you when you insult me? Can we ever learn to talk without arguing?”

Shaking my head in frustration I state, “This is what you wanted to get into my head this evening and like a fool I made you into the evil villain once more. I truly am an annoyance. I don’t know what has gotten into me lately. You were right; I was acting like a child. Of course I won’t admit that to you aloud, at least not when you’re attentive. You are far too proud of yourself as it is.”

“I promise I’ll try to be more understanding,” I reply while brushing a few stray hairs from his eyes. “It’s the least I can do you show you my appreciation for letting me stay and heal Jin. Maybe in time we can be able to talk to one another sensibly. I would rather have you as a friend than as an enemy. I still have three more days left. Neither of us needs the other making our jobs any harder to accomplish.”

I shiver as a strong north wind begins to blow. Unconscientiously I begin to lean against Bran. As soon as I realize what I am doing I am already curled against his side. As compromising as the position is I cannot make myself move from it. It is far too cold outside and his body heat is strangely comforting. It’s bad enough sleeping on the damp forest floor without the chilly wind that has continued to blow through the trees.
Only I should be so lucky as to be forced into such a horrible situation. I just hope that Bran doesn’t yell at me when he wakes up in the morning. It’s not like I can run away from the situation or wake him. Either one would end with a horrible consequence.

“”It’s alright,” I respond as I feel a fearful tremor take hold of Bran. “I’m still here. You are not alone.”

Instead of causing Bran to loosen his hold my words have done the opposite. He is grabbing onto my wrist as if I were his last support line. The nightmare must be horrid to have such a reaction. I do not claim to know the man well but what I’ve seen of him does not speak of a man who is easily made fearful. He must be reliving something truly terrifying and I can only suppose that the darkness triggered it. Just watching Bran leaves me feeling petrified. I need to keep talking not only for Bran but to keep my sanity.

“Did you know that this is the first time that I’ve slept with a man?” I inquire with a chuckle. “I know it was a bad attempt at humor but you could at least laugh alongside me good naturedly.”

“Be that way,” I mockingly retort. “A woman opens up her heart to a man in hopes that he has the decency to at least give a gesture. Somehow I feel as if you are ignoring me.”

Chuckling at myself I comment, “You can always tell when I feel awkward or insecure when I begin to joke at others expense. That’s probably why I’ve been so hard on you. I’m uncertain of my fate or how successful I’ll be at healing my patient. I’m really frightened and it doesn’t help that you always push me. You relish in others’ fear and I can’t stand to lose control. What a pair we make. No wonder we always fight.”

“Sadly I have no clue as to how to correct our situation. We already have created roles that are at odds with one another. We both fear becoming vulnerable and look at the mess we are both in. Both of us are being forced out of our comfort zones and yet you will not remember a word that I have said. How cruel it is to find some peace only to know it won’t last.”

“Not that I care,” I firmly assert. “After all I am strong and don’t need any man to approve of me. I will finish my task and quickly be gone from here. I do not need to build any attachments. I will never see you or your men again and not a twinkle of thought will lead either of our thoughts toward the other. It’s just another chapter in my strange and random life.”

“In fact I can’t wait to go home. Being gone for a week will leave me terribly behind in my work and I miss my family immensely. I’m sure my parents are concerned over where I am. I’ve never been separated from them for so long without some sort of communication. I’m sure much has happened since I’ve been gone. Life for my family can be hectic but I wouldn’t change that for the world. I truly miss them all?”

“I’d ask you about your family however you wouldn’t answer me even if you were awake. Plus I’m sure you would want answers in return and that would make me uncomfortable as well. It’s much better not to know anything about you anyway. It’s not like I’ll ever be a part of your life. Now that is a horrible thought; us screaming at one another for all eternity. Oh what fun we would have? Somehow I think eternity would be short lived.”

Looking up at the stars I quietly share, “I’m really happy that you can’t hear me now. I’m completely and utterly twisted. Not only that but I’m dwelling on thoughts that are completely irrelevant.”

With a sigh I add, “I guess that’s what happens when you’ve had little sleep. It makes a jumble of your once sane thoughts.”

Pausing in my speech I curl against Bran as the wind intensifies its speed. Staring out into the horizon I watch as the sun’s first rays begin to touch the sky. In a matter of minutes the birds should be singing and hopefully unconscious Bran in turn will rise as well. I can only hope that the night will soon be over though I am not looking forward to explaining myself.

Just as I hoped, the sun begins to rise and so too does Bran however his expression is far worse than I expected. The look on his face speaks of shock and anger. I prepare myself as Bran’s cutting words reach my ears, “What are you doing here? You should be in the tent rather than hanging off my arm like some cheap whore one might find on the roadside.”

Far too angry than to retort with an insult of my own I comment, “I’d gladly be gone and away from your sight when you finally decide to let go of my arm.”

Letting go of my arm as if he had just been infected by some horrid disease just by the mere contact between us he inquires forcefully, “Why didn’t you wake me?”

“I couldn’t,” I sigh in irritation. “You were having some sort of nightmare and couldn’t be disrupted from it. Every attempt to be free from your grasp only resulted in further confinement.”

Turning his back towards me he replies, “Surely you could have been free of me.”

Unable to hold in my anger I heatedly raise my voice, “If it were as easy as you believe I wouldn’t have been out here the entire night in the cold.”

“You didn’t seem so uncomfortable to me,” Bran states in annoyance. “You made yourself nice and comfortable pressed against my arm.”

“I wouldn’t have been lying upon your arm if you hadn’t captured my arm so forcefully. I would much rather be in the tent sleeping under my blankets. Unlike what you might believe I am not a trollop. I do not make a habit of sleeping next to strange men such as you.”

“Ha,” Bran retorts amusedly. “You could have easily fooled me with that performance last night. You seemed quite comfortable in such an intimate position.”

“How dare you!” I yell out in anger. “For your information I am not at all comfortable with the situation. I was cold, tired and had the great misfortune of being restrained by an arrogant, ruffian of a man. I should be the one angry at you not the other way around. You were the one who forced me at your side in the first place.”

“You shouldn’t have run out of the tent in the middle of the night!” Bran replies with equal force.

“I’m sorry for caring over your safety. I thought you may have been injured or possibly killed!” I state with a quiver.

Staring at me in shock Bran quietly inquires, “You were concerned?”

“Of course!” I utter quickly. “I’m a healer. It’s my job to be concerned over all those I’m surrounded by even if they irritate me to no end.”

Turning towards me once more Bran states with a smirk, “I’m sorry to have concerned you however next time do not worry over me. I don’t need anyone giving me any undue attention. I come to those when I need help.”

“I wouldn’t make the same mistake twice,” I reply in irritation. Under my breath I add, “The last thing I want is to be alone with you ever again.”

“The feeling is mutual I assure you,” Bran states with a cocky grin I can only suppose to be due to the fact that he caught onto the words I mumbled.

“Get back to bed before the others catch you,” Bran states with a sigh. “The last thing I want is for the men to start spreading rumors about what happened last night.”

I give the man an evil glare as he begins to walk away from the tent with his trademark strut. How cocky can one man get? Even now he walks as if he has not a single care in the world. The man is far too irritating. I must have been weak last night to have forgotten just how much he gets on my nerves.

Without further delay I silently walk into the tent and lie upon my bed. I just hope that I’ll be able to get a couple hours of sleep before Snake and Dog take their turn assisting me with Jin. Damn that stupid Rooster!

*******

I am suddenly woken from my slumber as the voices of three men disturb my thoughts. Taking a look around I notice that Dog and Snake are already in the tent and having a lively discussion with Jin who is alert. I would be smiling more if I weren’t so tired.

“I see that my healer finally rises,” Jin states with a playful smirk. “I was wondering if I was going to have the pleasure of your company today.”
With a ‘humph’ I retort, “I haven’t slept in that long. It’s still early.”

“It isn’t that late however it is later than you usually rise. We were worried that last night held too much excitement,” Dog replies in concern.

Nodding my head humbly I reply, “I am sorry to have concerned you. I just over slept. I promise that it won’t happen again.”

“The girl must be tired,” Jin states with concern. “She is normally more snappish with her responses. You aren’t sick are you my dear.”

Shaking my head in amusement I retort, “Just wait until I fully wake up. I’ll have a fitting retort for you then.”

“Now that sounds more like my girl,” Jin states in pride towards the two men beside him.

“Since when I have I become your girl?” I inquire in mock annoyance.

“You have always been my dear,” Jin retorts with a wink. “You’ve always been.”

“I really do wish your Ran were here so I could have her keep you in check,” I sigh in disappointment. “Why am I stuck with so many infuriating men?”

“You don’t really feel we are all infuriating do you?” Dog asks dishearteningly.

“I was more making a reference towards Jin and Bran.”

Looking at each other in confusion Snake finally inquires, “Bran?”

Shaking my head over my stupidity I reply, “Last night I made a compromise with your Chief. I would call him by a more acceptable name if he in turn would stop calling me ‘Fox.’ Bran means Raven in Gaelic.”

Staring at me with wide eyes Dog asks hopefully, “So you made your peace with the Chief?”

“I wouldn’t call it peace so much as a temporary understanding,” I calmly reply.

“It’s a start at least,” Snake looks upon me happily.

“I guess,” I sigh absently.

“You don’t think so?” Jin states in disbelief.

“I don’t know what I should believe,” I reply in concern. “At first he says something kind or generous and then he’s harassing me the next. His mood swings have me confused.”

“You just have to be patient with the boy,” Jin states supportively. “The boy doesn’t have much experience when it comes to the fairer sex.”

“Whatever led you to that conclusion?” I retort sarcastically.

Giving me a cheerful smile Dog comments, “Jin is right. Just be patient with the Chief. His character might surprise you.”

Propping my head against my hands I reply, “At this point I’ve enough surprises. I just want something predictable to occur.”

“Nothing is ever predictable surrounding the Chief,” Snake contradicts sympathetically.

“That’s what I was afraid of hearing,” I comment utterly depressed.

“What happened to your arm?” Snake angrily inquires as he pulls my arm towards him.

Inspecting my arm alongside Snake, Dog states possessively, “If anyone so much as dared to hurt you so help me…”

Pressing a finger to Dogs lips I reply calmly, “It’s alright. It was an accident and it won’t happen again.”

Looking at me in disbelief Dog retorts, “That type of bruising is not an accident. The man that dared mark you so will suffer my wrath.”

“Please don’t be hasty,” I firmly exert. “I am being honest with you. The man who did this had no idea that he hurt me.”

“How could a man not know better?” Jin states clearly in anger despite the fact that his voice is still so weak.

“He wasn’t quite himself at the moment,” I explain with my head held high in defiance towards their intimidation techniques. I won’t let the men intimidate me into giving up Bran’s identity.

“So you will continue to hide this man’s identity despite what he did to you?” Snake interrupts infuriated.

“What are you doing? And what is this about hiding someone’s identity?” Bran interjects quickly saving me from any further explanations.

“Take a look at Megumi’s wrist,” Dog states in anger directed towards the unmentioned man. “Megumi seems determined to hide the man who did this though I have no idea why. Only a monster would treat a woman like that.”

Staring at the menacing bruise on my wrist Bran flinches in pain. Luckily for the others all were far too focused on my wound to notice.

“Megumi, did this happen last night?” Bran states with a pleading look in his eyes. To the men it might look like concern but I know it for what it truly is; an apology.

“I’m alright,” I reply as I pull my arm away from the men’s horrified glances. “As I was telling Snake, Dog and Jin, it was not the man’s fault. If he was aware of what he was doing he would have stopped.”

Staring at me with obvious concern written on his face Bran asks calmly, “Can I have a word with you alone?”

Nodding my head yes silently I follow Bran outside the tent towards the woods where we spent the night together. Sitting upon a nearby log Bran motions me to sit next to him. As soon as I sit down he immediately begins to inspect the injured arm.

Unable to look me in the eye Bran inquires, “Why didn’t you tell me that I hurt you so?”

“You were so angry when you woke up that I didn’t want to further your anguish.”

“If you had told me I wouldn’t have been so cross with you,” Bran scolds as he continues to inspect the arm.

Looking at Bran’s sad features I reply, “Your reaction is exactly why I didn’t tell you. I don’t need to be pampered and treated like a child.”

“You’re a woman. I thought all of you liked to be pampered?” Bran questions looking down upon me in confusion.

“Not all of us enjoy such attention,” I reply calmly. “If I get attention I want it to be worthwhile. I don’t appreciate people looking at me as if I were some weak defenseless woman. I can take care of myself.”

“I see,” Bran states in surprise. “And here I thought strong woman only existed in the tales you weave.”

With a chuckle I retort, “I paint strong women in my stories because those are the only ones whom exist in my world.”

“Your scope of women must be very limited,” Bran comments with a smile.

Looking up at Bran seriously I reply, “Actually it is. I don’t know many people outside my village so I can’t say that your view of me is wrong however I can’t believe that there aren’t more strong women in your world. You have far more experience than I do I’m sure but perhaps that is what holds you back from seeing the strength in others.”

“Perhaps,” Bran states with a knowing smirk.

“What do you mean by perhaps? What type of answer is that?”

“All I can say to you is perhaps,” Bran cockily comments. “You don’t know my past or I yours and it would take far too long to compare notes on how many said women we have met.”

“I guess,” I reply in confusion.

“Besides we have more important matters to discuss like why you didn’t tell my men that I was the culprit.”

With a sigh I reply, “What would it matter if I told them. They wouldn’t believe me.”

“That’s not true and you know it,” Bran grumbles slightly irritated. “My men are your favorite thing to use against me. You could have easily made good on your threats and converted the masses. Why did you decide against it?”

“What benefit would it have for me?” I reply rationally. “If I converted your men you would have been after my neck and your men would have no place to go. I couldn’t take them to my village. They are already seen as monsters. Besides, I couldn’t take advantage of someone’s hour of weakness. You did not mean to harm me so why would I intentionally harm you in retribution. That would make me the monster.”

“Strange logic you possess however I will not complain with the conclusion,” Bran states in amusement. “I’m happy that some of what I spoke to you earlier has reached you.”

“You give yourself far too much credit,” I retort in annoyance.

“That’s what you would like me to think,” Bran comments with that annoying all knowing smirk once again in place. “You were all too happy to rub everything in my face last night and suddenly your attitude has changed. Why is that?”

“You’re too cocky for your good,” I shake my head in disappointment.

“I disagree,” Bran states good naturedly. “It’s my cocky nature that has kept me alive for so long. In my line of work it is a necessity.”

“Can’t you not at least try to minimize that attitude of yours in my presence? It gets annoying after a few seconds,” I retort harshly.

“Your words wound me my Lady,” Bran replies mockingly. “I live merely to hear sweet words flow from that fair mouth of yours.”

“Where ever did you learn to speak thus?” I inquire with my head held high. “One in your position ought to know better than to utter such words toward a lady.”

“Does the Lady not approve of such honesty?” Bran asks with a playful glance in my direction.

“Not when given by a man of such vulgarity and lowly sense of honor,” I state while pulling my arm back. “I don’t particularly enjoy pretty words but I especially do not enjoy such words being used at my expense.”

“What a pretty tongue you possess,” Bran states with open amusement. “I haven’t spoken to anyone thus in a long time, none the less with a woman who can keep me on my toes. I’m impressed. You do not speak like most of the village girls I’ve come across during my travels.”

“I guess you never came to the better ones then,” I comment proudly.

“Perhaps that is so,” Bran replies with a thoughtful look in my direction. Hopefully he bought my excuse. The last thing I want is for him to find out my true origins. I’d rather not be used as ransom if I can help it.

“I must praise your village elder. They must have high connections with your court,” Bran states while evaluating my expression.

“It’s not uncommon for our people to come in contact with the nobility of our lands.”

“You are from Sevenwaters correct?” Bran inquires intrigued.

I nod my head yes silently.

“I have heard interesting stories about the royalty in those parts. It’s said that they work alongside the villagers. Even I have to admit that is an admirable trait even if I’m not all too fond of all those whom manage the estate.”

I look upon Bran in shock. He has a problem with my family as well? When will my troubles ever end?

“I shouldn’t burden you with politics,” Bran states calmly. Reaching for my arm he asserts calmly, “Let me see your arm. Perhaps I can do something about it.”

Shaking my head I reply, “You’ve done far too much already. I can take care of my wrist. After all, I am the healer.”

“Don’t argue with me,” Bran comments firmly. “Can you not ever accept anyone’s hospitality without throwing it back in their face?”

Bowing my head in shame I produced the said arm. I might not be happy about this but I cannot continue to fight a losing battle.

As he is wrapping my arm with some bandages hidden in his pocket I inquire, “Do you always carry bandages on hand?”

“No soldier can be without. You have to be prepared for injuries when you fight with your hands,” Bran states with a wink.

Turning my head so Bran won’t see my blush I quickly reply, “By the way, I’ve been meaning to ask, do you always wear the same outfit?”

“Excuse me?”

“Do you always wear the same outfit?” I repeat slowly.

“I heard what you asked the first time,” Bran states in irritation. “What I mean is why it would matter if I always wear this outfit?”

Shaking my head in disgust I reply, “Because it is disgusting. What is with men and their lack of hygiene?”

“It’s not like I don’t wash it. Besides one on the road does better when they have less on their back to carry.”

From the smell of it you don’t wash your clothes as much as you ought to,” I comment while twitching my nose in disgust.

“No one has ever complained before,” Bran replies in anger.

“Of course not,” I reply with a sigh. “You surround yourself with men and if any of your men have a nose on them I doubt they would make a comment. You are their Chief.”

“You are telling me that I smell?” Bran inquires while sniffing himself. “I don’t smell anything.”

“Of course not,” I chuckle in amusement. “You can’t smell yourself. It’s impossible.”

“So you can’t smell how awful you smell either?” Bran states with a contemplative look upon his face.

“What did you say?” I inquire in shock.

“You are starting to smell as well Megumi,” Bran states with a wicked look upon his face.

Glaring at the man besides me I comment, “That’s because your smell is all over me. I haven’t had time to wash your putrid smell off from last night.”

“Again you wound me,” Bran states with a playful smirk. “Does it make you feel better to verbally bash me?”

“Not as satisfying as I’m sure a physical bashing would be,” I retort arrogantly.

“You think you can fight me?” Bran asks thoroughly entertained.

“No that’s why physically bashing you would be far more pleasurable.”

With a hearty laugh Bran comments, “You definitely keep me on my toes. Hardly a dull moment when you’re around. Come on, it’s best I take you back to the tent.”

As Bran begins to rise I inquire softly, “About what just passed. Aren’t you mad at me for the comments I made?”

Looking down upon me with a soft smile Bran states, “Are you mad at me?”

Not quite understanding where this conversation is being led I shake my head no silently.

“If you aren’t mad why should I?” Bran comments frankly. “What we have said is in jest and I can’t say I didn’t enjoy myself. In the presence of my men such words shouldn’t be spoken however in private I do not mind. Of course if you do not feel comfortable with such an arrangement I will honor that and we can continue to hate each other openly in public.”

Shaking my head I reply, “No, I prefer this sort of relationship to the one prior.”

“Good,” Bran states with male pride. “However I have a reputation to uphold in front of my men so I will not be lenient on your sharp tongue. I suggest you hold your thoughts until we are in private if you want to avoid a major confrontation.”

“I understand.”

“Good,” Bran comments assertively. “Now off to the tent before more rumors start about us.”

Silently we make our way towards the tent though it would seem that nothing has changed in our attitude since the evening prior I can’t help but smile internally at this unexpected turn of events. Like Snake said earlier, ‘Nothing is ever predictable surrounding the Chief,’ and for the first time I can’t be more excited at the prospect. Perhaps Misao was right in wishing for adventure. Opening up myself to this experience suddenly seems like the most exciting thing that could have happened to me. I only hope that my time spent among Bran and his men will live up to my new expectations.