[center][img]http://i.imgur.com/oYxJslA.png[/img]
[b][color=8C6868]Three Miles West of Ash Outpost Designation 227[/color][/b][/center]

Orion flinched at the sudden mental contact, involuntarily starting to filter his own thoughts before he had even fully processed what was being conveyed. The contact was a stupid mistake on his part; a less well-intentioned gifted could have taken advantage of Orion in an instant. 

[color=8C6868]"I apologize for my assumption, [i]brother,[/i]"[/color] Orion replied, reciprocating the shifter's title. He eyed the wound with apprehension, taking in the torn flesh that puckered around the arrow's shaft. It would hurt to pull free,
 to be certain, and Orion did not know this man well enough to gauge a response. [color=8C6868]"And I apologize that I'm not much of a doctor, either, but..."[/color] 

Before he could reach for the arrow, the booming voice of a Knight echoed through the ruins. Her thick accent reverberated against the concrete and through the dry air, and it took Orion almost two of his allotted five seconds to pick out exactly where his would-be attacker stood. By the time he had spotted her, his new ally had already taken the lead in placing himself in the line of fire. 

[color=8C6868]"I'll be too heavy,"[/color] Orion said, not bothering to wonder his he was making clear sense while his mind raced at the implications of this new development. The silvery black metal finish of his skin glinted in the high morning sun,
 but he could not bank on it to protect him without knowing her gift. And if she was alone, it must have been something rough. 

Regardless, he had never been much for running. 

[color=8C6868]"I'll be fine. Go, now."[/color] Without warning, Orion reached forward and tugged the arrow forward out of the shifter's wing in one firm motion. 

[color=8C6868]"I've done no treason,"[/color] he called up the rise. His posture was calm as he took a few steps toward her, and his hands were raised, palms up. He had no weapons to show, but his body language was confident. [color=8C6868]"And I harbor no ill-will for the brave men and women of the Knight force. I just want to be left in peace. So please, leave us?"[/color]