Alone Together

Chapter Two

        Moon-Song led me across the camp, to the edge farthest from the camp entrance. It was a small hut, made out of wood and what looked like dried mud. "He's in there. I'll go back to the medicine hut if you wish to return after speaking with him." With that, Moon-Song left me. 

        I pulled back the door and entered the hut, moving slowly and clumsily with my crutches. "Chief Ice-Veins?" I ask. "Ah, so you're this Ari I've been hearing so much about?" he asks. I almost didn't see him, but as I pull the door shut behind me, I get a good look at him. He's old, but he's not too old. He's clearly very strong, his dark-skinned bare chest covered in battle scars. Even a peaceful tribe gets caught up in wars sometimes. I could see wisdom glimmering in his eyes, and he looked like my grandfather had, before he died. 

        "Yes, I'm afraid so," I answer with a wry grin. "Come, sit," he ushers, and I do, sitting clumsily in front of him. "Helios told me you accepted my offer to join us," Ice-Veins starts, a question in his eyes. "I did," I reply, dipping my head. "Good, good. I was hoping you would. Now, I'm sure you want to know how we live, now that you're one of us?" he asks. "Yes," I say, relieved that he was telling me and I wouldn't have to work up the courage to ask someone. "We are a varied people. We have warriors, healers, even mages, though all of our mages were once outsiders," he begins. Well, that beat all. I'd stumbled into one of the only tribes where mages were accepted. I knew a little magic, nothing too advanced, but I knew a couple healing spells and a few...defensive ones. I was better with a long sword than I was with magic, but it was nice knowing I could devlop the skill if I chose. "Our warriors are good, but we use them to perserve the peace. The elders are the ones who watch over the children. We have hunters and gatherers. Our blacksmith can work wonders with the forge. So, tell me, outsider, what can you do?" 

        I don't hesitate with my answer. "I know a few spells, but not many. I'm better with a long-sword or a battle-axe. I prefer the long-sword because it swings faster, but the battle-axes typically do more damage so I'm fine with either. I'm good with a bow, too, and sneaking. That's how I got most of my food. I'm okay at smithing things; I had to make all my arrows and weapons," I say. I wasn't trying to boast at all, I was trying to be honest and truthfull. And while I was far from the best at making weapons, I managed to get by. I was proud of all the weapons I had forged, which the Tesera had probably taken by now. "Between the bow and the long-sword, which do you prefer?" he asks, after a minute of thinking over my answer. "I suppose the bow. With it, I can hunt, and if I'm quiet enough I can usually kill with a couple shots, should it come to that," I say. "Very well. I'll get you a bow, and some of our arrows, and we can see how good you are. For now, though, you can get to know your new tribemates," he says, standing and reaching down to help me up. Sheepishly, I take his hand and let him pull me up. I'm not used to needing help. 

        I gather my crutches as he opens the door, and then I slowly make my way out. As the door shuts behind me, I feel a flutter of nervousness work it's way up my stomach. Before I can go anywhere, I see Apollo coming my way. "Hey, A," he calls, grinning at me. "Hey," I greet him, flashing a smile at him. "Want me to show you around? Moon-Song said you need to meet everyone," he asks. "Please," I say, gratefully. It's much less...awkward with someone going around introducing me. Apollo takes off across the camp, careful to keep in mind the crutches hindering my speed. I take a deep breath. Hopefully my new tribemates won't hate me too much. Almost all of the tribes are highly suspicious of outsiders. 

A/N: So we've met the tribe's chief! Also, one thing I want to make clear is that I picture all of these people, aside from Helios, Apollo, and Ari, as Native American in apperance. That means they are not white. I want others to get a feel for that, but I don't want to directly state it all the time. Ari, Apollo, and Helios are white, and I'll use a small detail later on. Probably way later on. I don't know. It'll be there sometime. I'm not really sure exactly how this society works. I'm basing it a little off Skyrim, with the fighting and smithing and stuff. I'm sorry I'm a little obsessed forgive me. Don't forget to like and comment if you enjoyed!