Chapter Eleven: Setting Things In Motion

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Gawen finished tying a rope's knot before stepping back to see the trap they'd laid. Anton tilted his head, "You sure this is gonna work?" he asked. Gawen clenched his jaw and crossed his arms, "Honestly? I really hope so. But remember, we need to make sure the beast triggers this rope before we kill it." he explained. Anton nods his head at the information and glances over to see some villagers hammering in some wooden spikes on the perimeter of the village. He watched some children being ushered away from the traps before they accidentally triggered it. 

Some of the kids were playing with some wooden sticks; each one pretending to sword fight with one another. He gently smiled, "You know..." he stated. Anton looked back at Gawen, "Maybe when all of this is over, I might just find a nice girl to settle down with." he admitted. Gawen raised his eyebrows, "Really? And just one girl right?" he asked. Anton shared a laugh with him, "Yes, obviously! I was just thinking is all. It seems like a nice dream; I might be able to do the things my old man did with me with my own kids." he said. Gawen clapped a hand on Anton's shoulder, "Just try to keep it in your pants until then." he teased.

Anton gasped, "I am offended! Of course, I'll keep it in... after all, I don't want to accidentally become a father with a bunch of kids." he slurred. Gawen shakes his head at his response. Corvina strolled towards the two. She smiled at them, "Everything done here with the preparations?" she stated. She placed her hands on her hips, "I hope that you two boys aren't slacking off." she joked. Gawen kissed her forehead, "Working hard as ever. We were wrapping up here and headed our way to where Piran asked us to meet with him." he said. Anton places his head behind his neck, "Hopefully he got that stick out of his ass." he mumbled. 

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Piran massaged his forehead as his eyes focused on the map of the village laid before him. Lieve placed a cup of fresh tea in front of him and Nia. Nia watched Lieve take a spot between Asena and Piran. Nia nodded her thanks to Lieve and took a small sip. She hums, "This is really refreshing Lieve, thank you." she tells the young woman. Lieve offers her a sweet smile, "It's my pleasure. With the air becoming cooler and nippy, having a freshly brewed cup of hot tea is just what we need." she thanked cheerfully. Asena briefly glanced at Lieve before taking a sip as well. The door of the village hall opened and the rest of the hunters came inside. 

Anton rubbed his arms, "Ugh...remind me as to why I hate the cold again?" he whined. Corvina ruffled his hair before sitting next to Nia, "It's because you're a big baby." she replied. Anton's jaw went slack; Gawen shrugged his shoulders, "You did ask." he mumbled. Anton huffed with his eyes squinted, "Screw you." he retorted. Gawen shook his head, "I don't swing that way." he joked. Corvina sighed, "Boys." she said in a warning tone.

Everyone situated and Lieve gave them a welcoming smile, "Morning everyone! May I offer you all some tea?" she suggested. Corvina shook her head, "No thank you Lieve. But that was very thoughtful of you, maybe next time." she says. Gawen shook his head as well but Anton winked at her, "Yes please beautiful." he said. Lieve giggled at Anton's reply and went away to grab him a cup. Piran narrowed his eyes but ignored Anton's remark before he looked over to Asena who was speaking with Nia. Asena had one of her hands on Nia's; a warm smile on her lips while Nia stared at her with such gentleness. Just watching how the two interact with one another made his mind wander. 

It almost...it almost seemed as though...he shook his head when Lieve came back and lightly placed the cup in front of Anton. Anton winked his thanks towards her before drinking the inviting warmth of the liquid. The door opens once more and Emmet comes in with a confident smile. Asena grinned at him, "Good morning Uncle Emmet." she greeted. Her eyes shined in his direction, the look of child wonder and endearment. Piran's lips curved down. His stomach clenched. Emmet shared the same grin with Asena and ruffled her hair before kissing the top of her head, "Morning kid. How've you been? It seems like forever since I last spoke with you." he joked.

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