The Bird & the Blade

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Hunter's point of view:
The next few weeks went off relatively smoothly. Kori was nice and had a separate room made up for me near the others. It was quiet but comfortable.

   While I could move freely about the tower I felt like I was more sneaking around everyone than actually living comfortably. Every movement I made felt judged and I ended up staying mostly in my room. Though I was kept company by some of the books I happened to borrow from the living room. The wide bookshelves offered plenty of different novel types for me to read between training.

   Kori tried her best to integrate me into the team but their reserved nature went far deeper than even her best attempts. Even Garfield and Jon had a slight change in demeanor when I was around, it was more forced. I took it as an unwillingness to have me join to I mostly stayed away.

   Damian was just as reserved if not more than I was. Though he enjoyed being with Jon and I often saw them training together with some slight smiles from Damian he only ever spoke to the team in rough passing not as friends. Though Damian considered them allies and friends his friendship skills needed some work.

    I was in no position to judge though as the only friends I had were adult criminals if that counted. I would eat with the team but typically when they would crowd around and chat excitedly I would stay quiet.

   I was using the time by trying my best to get over my distaste for the water. I would read on the rocky shore and relax to its calming measures. While not exactly submerging and swimming it was enough to get me comfortable with the waves.

    I was currently sitting out on the stones when I heard footsteps. I figured it was Damian and didn't turn right away, expecting him to just come up to my side before a voice said "Hello." I turned quickly moving my book behind me as I readied myself crouched.

    I stopped my defense when I saw it was a surprised Raven before I said "I'm sorry." She shook her head and said "No I know what it's like to be snuck up on when in deep thought. For it's me who should be sorry." I nodded in acceptance of this before I relaxed against the stone again. She was in her cloak but her form was relaxed and her clothes normal and comfortable. It was a stark contrast to her normal fighting gear.

   She seemed uncomfortable briefly before I recognized the things floating around her. I had walked in on her meditating on the roof before and I noticed the similar incense bowl and sticks. I smiled softly before I said "I'm sorry I'll let you meditate in peace." I leaped from the rock I had been on before she held out a hand quickly and said "No it's alright."

   I paused and looked at her confused. Her body language was recoiling from her words as she seemed uncertain at my response but her eyes were genuinely seeking mine. I didn't move and she said "I could always use a meditation partner. It is nice. Having others around at times when I'm trying to relax to help control my abilities even when I'm most comfortable."

   I nodded before I said "I'm not very great to meditate with, my mind is always racing. I don't think it be very relaxing." Raven didn't comment and her hair fell slightly in her face. I noticed her tucking her hand up her sleeve lightly while scratching and I recognized the anxiety tic.

   I smiled softly at the familiarity of the emotions before I said "We could just talk if you wish?" She seemed reassured by this before she said "Alright lets."

    We both settled ourselves on top of the boulders before looking over the water. I positioned the book back on my lap before Raven noticed and said "Good read?" I nodded and said "This one is good. I've read a few other recently that I didn't prefer but this one is particularly good." Raven nodded and said "I prefer reading as well, though Garfield has recently persuaded me to appreciate a good comic book as well."