[b]Gideon – Near the gate entrance to Gandryll Castle[/b] 

“Were you harmed?” Gideon detected a hint of annoyance in Oathsworn’s question. Or was that concern in his tone? He could never tell with the man. 

“No. Just a casual sparring match, my good friend. The vulture is quite formidable in a scrap.” Gideon uttered, casually flicking off crusted blood from his fingernails. “Nearly claimed my eye with that beak of his. Quite glad he telegraphed his strike, otherwise we’d finally have something in common.” Gideon chuckled as he winked with his left eye as if to mock Oathsworn’s scar. 

“I disapprove of my current station.” Oathsworn spat, ignoring Gideon’s petty insult. His gaze was fierce in the moonlight, and for a moment, Gideon thought the man was going to transform. “I will not stand idly by as your exploits continue to rust the tenets of my ancestors. I am your bodyguard, as sworn by the blood pact we have made by the divine rite of the Iron Lions, and the many stars of the shalarag’rakan-“

“Oh, dearest brother…” Gideon said with forced endearment. He was in no mood to hear another lecture about the old ways of a tribe nearing its extinction. He pushed off of the cool stones that walled Gandryll’s castle from the city, placing his hands on Oathsworn’s shoulders. “We’ve been over this many times. This is but a temporary circumstance, one that will open many doors for us!”

“You help no one by keeping me out of sword’s reach.” The white-haired cavanar said, flatly. 

“I’m fine here, Oath,” Gideon’s patience was wearing thin. “The lot I’m rooming with are priestesses compared to the company we’ve frequented in the past.” 

“That is what concerns me most. Five moons have passed and you have not tempered your demon. You put those fools at risk by not doing so.”

Gideon could no longer maintain a compassionate façade. He dug his fingers into the man’s cloak, reeling him in closer. “Your concerns are duly noted, cub. However, you will polish the rusty tenets of that dying tribe of yours by obeying the liberator you’ve sworn to protect!” Gideon wiped the flecks of blood residue from his hands onto Oathsworn’s armor. “Now, tell me that you’ve brought what I’ve asked of you...” 

[b]Gideon – Cavanar Cavern[/b] 

Gideon entered the living quarters with a leather bag tucked under his arm. “Oh my fellow cavanars, do I have a treat for you!” The most responsive of the bunch was Empie, whom immediately took notice to the bag he was holding. “How is my beautiful swashbuckling pirate this evening?” Gideon smiled, making an animated nod of approval at her new attire. She was the most social out of the three, as Kucing usually went off on her own, while Sel was a man that preferred action over words – at least when it came to interacting with Gideon. 

“I hope you’re all hungry!” He said aloud, motioning over to the hearth. 

[center]***[/center]

By the time Avalon arrived, the dinner table was full of delicious treats. Things like lemon-flavored crème cakes and jelly-filled French rolls came premade, but the platter of fresh honey salmon, Cheyenne sprinkled chili soup and assorted meats, were all prepared by Gideon.

“Good evening, Avalon.” Gideon nodded, gesturing at the table. “I’ve prepared some food if you’re hungry.” 

The altercation from earlier still felt fresh, and truth be told, Gideon couldn’t help but feel apologetic for lashing out at the man. It was a frustrating thing to experience, to know you have something inside of you, something more powerful than the average man, yet have but a slither of control over it. The last thing he wanted to do was distance himself from the man who could change all of that. 

[center]***[/center]

Gideon’s ears perked up several times throughout Avalon’s briefing. Quite odd for a Lady to hire assassins like the Wolfsbane to retrieve her son. 

“I’ve heard of them. Tavern rumors paint tales of a dangerous assassin duo. For a beast to dispatch one so swiftly makes for an interesting quest!” Gideon said from his seat on the table, sloshing a dark wine in his stone cup. “Do you think the survivor will continue on with her trade? I imagine a Wolfsbane’s rates are more affordable now, what with her partner in crime no longer part of the package deal.”