[hr][center][hr][/center][Center][img]https://txt-dynamic.static.1001fonts.net/txt/dHRmLjQ0LjRlODg1OC5VMkZzWlcwZ1UzQmxiR3h0WVc0LC4wAAA,/flat-earth-scribe.regular.png[/img][/center][hr]Interacting with:[@ReusableSword]

Salem wanted nothing more than to roll his eyes and sarcastically answer back at Victor. But he was tired, exhausted, and didn't want to deal with what the repercussions for the remainder of the walk back. Instead he opted for silence, looking ahead to ensure he didn't accidentally run them into a tree or miss out on a sign. His only response was him nodding to let Victor know he had heard him and agreed that this was the best way to proceed forward. Thankfully the walk seemed to be the easiest task out of the entire night. A clearly laid out path, no obstacles anywhere in sight, it felt as though Salem could finally relax. He hardly noticed the silence of the creatures in the forest, the absence of sound, until the air became still and he started to get an unnerving feeling on the back of his neck. 

He began to focus off of his sight and started to listen for any other mages that may of been lurking around them. Only to find complete silence, the world seemed to disappear for a moment until a sound broke through the tension. A soft patting behind them, the sound of a hot breath directly above the pair of them as a gutters growl began. It wreaked of rot and decay, making Salem want to gag. He'd smelled putrid scents before, both from flowers and infectious wounds, but this...this was different entirely. The prickly feeling against his neck was now sharp as something ran across it. It sent shivers down his spine and only reinforced the notion that he needed to keep his head straight. He'd watched enough horror movies to know that shit always became too real when the protagonist decided to look towards the killer, acknowledging it. 

Before he could say anything, do anything, Victor spoke. It was clear that the pair of them were sensing the same thing. He spoke about his training in ignoring his instincts and how they should belittle the stalker behind them. For a moment there he thought Victor had hine mad, that giving the beast any attention might doom them both, but what he said next broke Salem. It started as a small chuckle. Slight, barely noticeable. Then another, and another until he was fully laughing. He wasn't aware Victor had such humor and honestly it was needed at this time. Salem had to admit that he was shocked to not only find this side of Victor, but to have actually gotten a compliment as well. The idea that anyone would rather have him over a Starag was baffling, but comforting. [Color=82ca9d]"I think Aaron here's run out of tricks for his [i]Master[/i]. Opting the hunting route in hopes to please him with a treasure. Its a shame that the only real treasure would be if Aaron found himself a soul to go with that obedience of his. Or did you finally put on some glasses and see life for the first time Aaron? Honestly its a wondered you've gone this long being blind. But really, you two deserve each other. After all Varis hasn't been able to out maneuver the Astorios for ages and you'll never be able to out maneuver me."[/color]

As soon as they broke the tree line and saw Ryner, Salem squinted his eyes. Wondering if this was truly her or another illusion just playing face. He decided he couldn't care any less. He managed a small heh towards the princess, attempting to clamour off of Victor and land on the ground. His body still felt shaky and weak, his legs trembling beneath him as he stood, threatening to collapse, but he turned to Victor with a smile. [Color=82ca9d]"[i]We[/i] did it. Now let's turn those tokens in and head home. I think I've had my fill of forests for today."[/color] Part of Salem wondered if his training would also be excused tomorrow or if he would need to get up and exercise in his weakened state.