The Hunting

Chapter 19

After we got back, I started working on more arrows until the sun had set. We all met at Calum and Pietra's camp, which was the closest to the river. As we all started to eat, we talked about strategy. Calum, of course, led the conversation, "As soon as we are done eating, we are going to need to put out this fire. We do not need any unwanted creatures or people figuring out where we are. The moon is all the light we need. Just make sure everyone bundles up to stay warm. Arden and Nate, you can use our extra blankets."

Don spoke up, "What if that doesn't make us warm enough?"

Calum shrugged, "It is going to have to do for now. Once we start getting into the canyons, there will be more hiding spaces so we could possibly have fires going."

Don grimaced. Nate smirked, "It is okay Don, you and I can snuggle together for warmth."

Don lit up like a fire, he started to cheer, "Oh hell yeah!"

They started gushing about who would cuddle who as the rest of us rolled our eyes. I look over at Calum whispering something in Pietra's ear. After he leaned away, I saw Pietra give him a smile. Oh goodness, are they going to be sleeping together too? I looked over at Jaiver and he seemed to notice the same thing. He started to look at me, but I looked back toward Nate and Don hugging before he could notice. I wouldn't mind snuggling with Ja- NO! What the hell is wrong with me? I shook my head lightly as I stood up to go use the restroom. I walked far enough that everyone's voices were whispers and the fire was a soft glow in the distance.

I took this chance to look around. I noticed the tall grass being softly moved by the gentle breeze. It made a small rustling sound as the blades brushed together. The sky was so dark blue, it was almost black. It would look scary if it wasn't for the moon was shining brightly over the land. It made the land look like something from a dream. I also saw the stars twinkling as they were anywhere but close. I noted the trees in the distance which looked small and dark. A feeling of nostalgia washed over me. I miss home. I shook my head as I looked on, forward. It's almost like the prairie goes on forever. If there were more places to hide, I would say it give the Burrow a run for its money. I finished up what I was doing and started walking back to the group. I touched my dad's necklace as I looked back to the forest one more time. Nowhere to go except forward.

As I got closer and closer, I heard something that I couldn't quite place. What is that? When I got through the tall grass and into our area, I saw Jaiver playing something that I've never seen before. He looks so beautiful...Why does this seem so familiar? I looked over at Nate and saw he was as curious as I was. He had a furrowed brow as he was watching Javier play. I noticed Pietra and Calum, Calum had his arm over Pietra's shoulders like he was hugging her. She rested her head on him in return. Don was nodding off, fighting to keep his eyes open. The instrument he was playing looked like a flute, it was made out of wood and had multiple holes in it. Javier's eyes were closed as he slowly swayed back and forth to the music he was playing. I walked and sat down by Nate. I whispered in his ear, " How did this start?"

Nate looked at me and muttered, "They all begged him to do it, so he whipped it out and started playing." He paused for a second. "Doesn't sound that good to me."

I shook my head in disagreement, " I think it's wonderful."

Nate sighed and crossed his arms. Talking to Nate distracted me from listening to the rest of Javier's song. Javier moved the flute looking thing away from his lips as he opened his eyes for the first time. There was a silence that filled the air. I feel like this song had a deep connection with the hunters. I don't know what this is, but I feel like I know this song. I couldn't shake the feeling like I've heard this song before. No, I must be making this up. I would remember if I heard something this beautiful before. I got taken from my thoughts as Calum stood up. I think he snapped everyone else from their trance. Don followed suit as he stood up with a yawn, he spoke eyes trying to stay open, " I'm going to bed, thanks for the lullaby, Javier."

Everyone nodded and a chorus of thank-yous followed as people went their separate ways. Calum took some water from the stream and dumped in on the fire which created a soft hissing noise. Before I left, Pietra handed me a blanket. I gave her a quick thank you as I turned to follow Javier who was starting to walk towards our spot. It was silent as we walked. I could tell that he needed a moment of silence. We moved our bags off of our bedrolls. Our beds were only a couple of feet apart. Of course, though, I couldn't keep my questions to myself. When we got there and as we were laying down, I looked over at him, "What was that? What you did back there I mean?"

He rolled over so that he could be facing me. Javier sighed, "It is something that I have had for a long time. Every once in a while, I play it. It's not very often that we feel safe enough in the prairie. The forest is the scariest place to be in, there are so many places to hide, but here in the prairie, it is hard for anyone to sneak up on us without noticing them beforehand. Remmington gave me it though, he also taught me that song. He told me that it calms him. "

I smiled softly at him, "It was a beautiful song. I'm just ashamed that I didn't get to hear all of it."

He gave me a genuine smile in return, "Maybe I'll play it again sometime."

I nodded, my smile not leaving my face, "I would like that very much."

I rolled over so that I was facing away from him. I pulled the extra blanket up to my neck as I slightly shivered. This is going to be one cold night.

Before I fell asleep, I heard some shifting. The last thing I remember is something or somebody pulling me close. I didn't pay it any mind as I drifted off into a dreamless sleep.