FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

Difference in Perspective

My chest is burning with the exertion of walking. I don't think I've had this much exercise in the previous two years of my life. I have my pack and quiver on my back, the bow unstrung and fit into the leather case with the arrows. And alongside that is another pack with materials from the camp. Rasithenuk is ahead of me, pulling the small cart that's loaded with the bigger supplies and their furs, and he's been having no issues at all. Even Quinelia, who's smaller than me, is carrying almost twice as much as I am and is even further ahead than Rasithenuk. I have to stop and lean on my walking stick heavily, gasping for breath.

"How do you guys do this all the time?" I manage between wheezing breaths, my tongue hanging out of an open muzzle and dripping onto the well worn path.

My suffering gets a musical laugh from the genet and a soft, woofing chuckle from the maned wolf. Rasithenuk reaches a paw back and runs it through the black ruff of fur down the back of his neck. "Years of practice, my dear colonist! I've been walking these paths since you were a pup!"

He's definitely gotten better at teasing. I can hear the playfulness in his voice now, though it's not as defined as it would be in another Circushan native. We've all moved to speaking Krillik, though, so I've needed to get used to the different expressions and inflections that he uses in it. I may understand it, somehow, but there are intricacies that still seem foreign to me. "You're both insane! Carting casks of brandy around town wasn't even this taxing!"

Quinelia jogs back past our other companion and resituates her packs on her back. "You get used to it, friend Cayne. Come, there is a clearing just ahead where we can rest for a while. It is not far!" She claps me on the shoulder and goes back to the fore of our group, waving the both of us forward. Rasithenuk picks up the handles of the cart and trundles forward with it, leaving me to finish catching my breath. I have no choice but to trust them, so I stand up straight again and trudge onward.

It turns out that while she's not wrong, she has a slightly different definition of "not far" than I do. I'd estimate another hour of walking goes by before we reach the clearing that Quinelia mentioned, and by that time I nearly collapse when my feet stop moving. Only my staff and the counter weight of my packs keep me from falling over forward. Once they hit the ground, it's Quinelia, not Rasithenuk, who comes over to help lower me to the ground. I sit hunched over, arms stretched out in front of me with my staff laid out underneath them. as soon as I'm off of them, my leg muscles cramp and tense painfully, getting me to grit my teeth. "How do you do this all the time? My legs feel like they're going to fall off." I stretch them out as well and start to rub them, pressing my fingers against my leggings to try and massage the muscles. It only helps a little.

Rasithenuk sets down his pack and settles behind it on his knees, starting to dig through it almost immediately. "As I said, I've been walking these paths for a very long time. Quinelia has gone through rigorous training to be a huntress that has hardened her. You colonists live a less active lifestyle in comparison." He pulls out a pouch and sets it aside, then digs around for another one. "Quin, we will camp here for tonight."

The genet nods and within seconds has vanished into the trees around us. I imagine she's getting firewood, if I had to guess. I've only watched them break down camp before, not set it up. I look over at the maned wolf and he just smiles from where he's kneeling. "Do not worry this time. Rest your legs so that you are not so loud the next time we have to walk, hmm?" I gawk at him in shock until he winks at me. Maybe I was wrong about him getting better at it.

So I do what I'm told and lean back, situating my pack behind me to use as a back rest. I don't mind not being helpful this time; sitting back and watching them lets me study their dynamic yet further.

They have done this multiple times, of course, but it shows very clearly in their efficiency. They seem to know exactly what the other person is going to be doing exactly when they're going to be doing it. The fire is built and lit first, then a kettle is filled and hung over it. Tents go up next, then bedding is unrolled and arranged. The sun isn't even down by the time they've finished and spread a few remaining furs out around the fire for us to sit on. Impressive.

Rasithenuk takes down the kettle after a little while and pours the steaming water into cups that he's prepared. The strong scent of herbs rises from each one as he pours and I close my eyes to try and sort out what it might be. Sadly, I don't know the herbs well enough to figure out what they may be. Whatever they are, though, I trust that Rasithenuk knows what he's doing when he makes tea with them. Or medicine. Or whatever it is he's doing.

They stay quiet, and I'm okay with that, because it gives me time to settle into my own thoughts. We've been walking for most of the day and I haven't had a lot of time to myself, as Rasithenuk has been pointing out plants and berries and helping me keep my posture while walking to minimize stress and chance of injury. I'm a good listener, but gods above, the maned wolf is such a wealth of knowledge that it's hard to keep up with him. He's far smarter than I would ever give him credit for, just by looking at him. That is one thing I've learned from these two: never underestimate the tribes just because they aren't as advanced as we are. They know just as much as we do, but most of it is far more useful for surviving off the land. If we didn't have our wagons and forges, I doubt us Circushans would have lasted a single winter this far away from the homeland.

Then my mind turns back to the days before that, rich with conversations and teaching. Quinelia has been trying to tutor me in the ways of a woodland hunter, but I cannae say I'm much for stalking prey. I'm only marginally better with a bow, but at least I'm progressing there. Rasithenuk, on the other paw, has been teaching me about the tribes that he's visited in his wanderings. He's told me stories of their traditions and their peoples, as varied as the different sects of Cirucshans and far more numerous. The tribal languages of this area are a different story.

That's one of the areas where I've been making leaps and bounds ahead of even my companions. Quinelia says that she only knows how to speak Krillik and Vris well, but that she understands Volen, Rasithenuk's language, enough for him to speak it and her to get what he's saying. I'm going to guess at that being the liquid smooth language that he spoke that first night when his anger flared. I haven't asked, but I don't think I need to. Rasithenuk has said that he speaks Volen, Krillik, Vris, Haran, Circushan, and Liras, as well as a few other tribal tongues that aren't as fleshed out as those. Apparently he's been all over.

What's been really surprising is when he tries to teach me how to speak those languages. The easier ones just come to me: he'll say a few things to me in them, then suddenly I'll be able to understand them. A few moments after that, I'll be able to speak it back to him. Quinelia doesn't seem too surprised by this, and indeed, Rasithenuk as well doesn't seem upset about it anymore. I haven't picked up anything as complex as Krillik since that first night, but he thinks that I could, given enough time. That being said, he hasn't spoken Volen around me again. I don't think he wants me to know it, for some reason.

I'm snapped out of my reminiscing by that herbal scent growing stronger, enough to bring me up to a sitting position. Rasithenuk has moved closer and is holding out one of those ceramic cups of his, steam wafting from the top. I reach out to take it as I ask, "What is this, if I may?"

He smiles as he settles in beside me with his own cup. "A tea that I've mixed, infused with Chamomile and a touch of Foxglove." He lifts his to his muzzle, one paw holding it while the other rests underneath it. "It helps with relaxation and is good for the heart."

I take another sniff and am overwhelmed with the warm flowery scent that so confuses me. I pick through the layers of it and my brain supplies the names of the ingredients. Tea leaves, of course, and there's the flowery chamomile over top of it. There's a the tiny bite of lemon, as well as the subtle overlay of the foxglove, normally below my notice. I tip the cup to my muzzle for a sip.

It's not bad, though just a tad bitter I'd have to say. Definitely drinkable, though. It's too hot to do more than sip it, so that's what I do. "Not bad. I'm used to healthy things tasting far worse."

His smile comes back, more relaxed than normal. "I try not to sacrifice taste for benefit, when I can. My past companions have always whined when I have."

We both chuckle, then sit back in the relative quiet until Quinelia returns and takes up the spot on my other side. Rasithenuk hands her the last cup and she quietly sips from it. "We made good time today," she notes between sips, her voice as quiet and unassuming as ever. "You're doing well for a first trek, Cayne. I hope we can go even further tomorrow."

Which brings up the question of where we are headed, which I promptly voice. "Where exactly is our destination, if I may ask?" I look up and glance between the two guarded expressions.

Rasithenuk is the one that answers. "We are headed back to the Haransiri to ride out the winter. It will be a rough one that I do not wish to endure without their assistance."

I nod, trying to stretch my legs towards the fire even more. I get a nice strain on my muscles before I relax again, feeling my body start to settle. "Okay. Do you think I'll have any issues with them, knowing that I look the part of the colonist? I don't want to stir things up."

Quinelia laughs at that, but doesn't comment. But what surprises me is that I get an honest to God smile from Rasithenuk. It's nice and bright and sends warmth rolling through my limbs to well up in my chest. How strange a reaction, but I like seeing it. "Do not worry about them, my friend. You are with me, and they will not question me. It has had, shall we say, adverse effects in the past." His grin flashes in the firelight, dangerous, but still entertained.

I guess that does make sense, given what they've said about the help they've provided. I wonder if there's anything else behind his reasoning, but if it's not going to cause trouble, then I have no need to question it. I instead try to draw up a mental picture of how the tribal village will look. "Quinelia had mentioned that you two stayed there for a time. You enjoyed it?"

They both nod, and Rasithenuk answers again. "We did, yes. They are a very friendly people, despite their quarrels with the Krillik'toa, and they have close ties with the Spirits in their land. I believe that was one of the main points of contention with the Krillik'toa, no?" He looks across me to Quinelia, who nods.

"They were most upset that there was another tribe more favored by the Spirits than they. They wish for control of the holy site, even though they have no proof that it is not just the people who have caused it. The Haransiri are a very upright people." Quinelia shifts her weight, her gaze far away. She looks nervous, if I can tell by her cloudy eyes. "They respect us because Rasithenuk helped heal their chief's daughter. I proved myself to them in their hunts and am treated as an equal amongst the men of the tribe, so I do not get bothered either." Her eyes flick over to Rasithenuk's immediately and I simply cannae read anything in them.

But I know that the maned wolf sees something, because he goes rigid as stone for a moment, then shakes his head. "Their company is very special, my friend, and there is a reason we are heading there when we are, aside from gaining shelter. They have a very open community and will be able to enlighten you on many subjects that either of us may not wish to broach. Though," and now he smiles again, and I can feel myself relaxing from a tension I hadn't noticed coiling up inside myself. "I am pleased to answer questions for you if you have them. The past few days have been very nice."

Quinelia adds her agreement and I treat them both to a smile of my own. "It's been a pleasure, for sure. I know that I'm still a smidge of a burden, but I'm happy to learn anything you have to teach as well."

In all, the whole scenario sounds rehearsed, so I treat it as such. I feel like they've been planning this, and I'm not sure why I feel that. There's a little voice in the back of my head that keeps telling me that there's something they're not telling me, something strange about a close-knit pair of outcasts accepting in a complete stranger and providing for him, then even teaching him about their ways! It's incredible, and yes, incredibly far-fetched.

That little voice grows louder as I look into Rasithenuk's eyes, and with each new notch it reaches in volume, my vision seems to close in on those two points of ice blue. My muscles lock up, my breath catches, and I see the image of a bird, a hummingbird specifically, resting in his head fur, looking out at me with those same eyes. Completely outside of my control, my vision turns to the side and I see Quinelia. She too has the image of a bird, this time a raven perched on her shoulder, staring at me.

They fear your past, but you must Understand them. Your weakness makes them stronger, blessed one. Know that I am with you as well. My vision blacks out entirely and I see a majestic crane with eyes like looking into a mirror staring right at me. I am watching over you.

The image disappears and I can hear my heartbeat thundering in my ears. My eyes are closed and I can feel the dirt underneath my cheek, telling me that I fell onto my side during my little episode. My mind reels as it was in the blackness, reviewing the images even as my other senses filter in. Quinelia and Rasithenuk are talking, though not fussing over me.

"He's seen them himself, Rasi! Why do you keep him in the dark when I can see in his mind that he's seen our totem spirits? He's even met his own, twice now! Why are you so stubborn about this?" She seems in a huff, and what she's saying doesn't make sense. She can see in my mind?

Rasithenuk's answer makes my thoughts stop with the force of his anger. "I do not care, Quin! I do not care how quickly his Blessing has been embraced nor even what his Curse or totem are! He is not one of the Spirit's chosen people and he does not know what he needs to know to help us yet! I will not reveal this sensitive of information to someone who would just as readily storm off and laugh at us all the way back to the capital! I know his family, and I've had an eye on him since before Raven brought me to your village." He pauses and takes a deep breath, the edge gone from his voice when he continues. "Crane had chosen his line long before even his sire was born, Quin." His anger fades as he speaks, replaced with sorrow. I'm not sure which confuses me more.

"Tell him this. Explain it to him, Rasi. He has a sharp mind that is attuned to the wilds and his spirit is weak yet, but pure. You know what his Blessing is. Let him exercise it." She pauses and I can feel her gaze fall on me. My mind is still struggling to process what they've said and I desperately don't want them to know that I heard this conversation. I need time to work through what I've heard. "He awakes. Tend to your patient, Rasi."

Within but a moment I feel paws on my side and I'm rolled onto my back as warmth spreads through my limbs. "Easy does it, my friend. How are you feeling?"

My confusion wars with my need to be polite. I crack my eyelids open and look up into concerned blue orbs. My muzzle opens and a dirt flecked tongue spills out from between my fangs. "I feel like I was chewing on mud."

I get a clear laugh from them and the tense, anxiety charged air dissipates almost immediately. I feel accomplished just from that statement alone and I feel the approval of another. I feel feathers brush my tail and a shiver races down my spine. I am here, I hear in my head, in the voice of the crane that I saw. I shudder, but I struggle to sit up all the same.

Rasithenuk helps me sit and that warmth extends all through my body, smoothing out the subtle aches from my strained muscles and the lingering effects of hitting my head on the ground. "There you go. I'll steep some more tea for you, I think you'll need it." He steps away and disappears into the tent.

Quinelia steps closer and settles onto the ground beside me. I tilt in her direction, purposefully though, and I feel her paws catch me before I lean too far. "I know that you heard us, friend Cayne," she says, her voice nearly a whisper and her muzzle almost in my ear. "Trust that I will explain what I can when Rasi is asleep. He worries."

I grasp her other arm and pull her closer, well balanced on my backside and my own arm. "Thank you, Quinelia," I say, matching her volume.

"Please, call me Quin. I am more than happy to guide you where I can, friend Cayne." With that, she pulls away from the embrace and settles into her seat again, none too soon.

Rasithenuk glides right back to his spot and replaces the water in his brass kettle, then sets the leaves in it as well. "There, a new batch. Now, is everything else okay, Cayne? Aches, muscle cramps from the walking, anything at all?"

Pushing aside the questions that I have started forming, I shake my head. "I feel rather well, Rasithenuk. Thank you, though. I really appreciate your care, even still."

The maned wolf levels a gaze at Quinelia as I say that and she gives him a nod, then scampers over to her tent and slides inside. Once more, I'm alone with the healer. He slides closer to me and sets a gentle paw against my cheek. "It's been my pleasure, my friend, to get to know you even as you recover. You've got a lot of strength to get through what you have and I appreciate the inspiration that you've given me."

The healer is a mystery to me. Angry and dominating one moment, then subdued and sad the next, then mysterious and detached but a moment after that. Now soft and affectionate as well? He is a puzzle unlike any that I've ever seen. Warmth and kindness of this type are new to me, though, and I welcome them, despite it being another male who offers them. There are parts of him that do dearly remind me of my younger brother. "Please, don't make me embarrassed, my healer." My ears flick back, but I don't lean away from the touch. The night sweeps me away with it and I mentally clear the rest of the strange knowledge I've received this night from my thoughts. With another breath, I lean against his paw and rest my own on his leg, right at my side. "But your words are too kind. Thank you for them, as well." We share a smile then, until I feel an itchiness at the base of my chest that makes me struggle to hold back a yawn. After a heartbeat more, I fail and have to turn my head away from his paw as it comes out with a vengeance, making my tongue curl between my teeth. "Oh my word, I'm sorry Rasithenuk, I don't know what came over me there!"

I get a chuckle for my troubles and a pat on my shoulder. "I do: you're exhausted. We've worked you harder than we had any right, today, and you've already fainted once from it. Come on, let's get you into bed."

He pushes himself up and helps me to my feet as well. I gather my pack and staff, then trudge behind him into the shelter. It is set up exactly as it was before, with the ground draped with layers of fur to provide the bed. I divulge myself of the pack quickly and set the staff beside it at the entrance, then nearly collapse onto the furs, the last of my energy quickly leaving me.

Much to my surprise, I hear the shuffling of Rasithenuk's cloak before it is tossed to the side of the tent, quickly followed by an increasingly familiar warmth against my side. Even before I've been able to make myself comfortable, the maned wolf has done so and wrapped himself in part of the furs. "I take it that you're sleeping in here tonight, then?" I carefully peel my own traveling leathers from my torso, then set them aside.

"If it is alright with you, I would dearly appreciate the company." When I roll over I actually see pleading in the ice of his eyes. It seems so out of place.

Throwing aside all of the morals and lessons and even personal preference, I relent and settle into the furs myself. The moment I lay out fully on my back, the narrow muzzle and head of my healer appear on my chest and his body presses up against my side. This is one of those parts that makes me miss my home, miss my family, despite the terms on which we departed. To assuage the pit in my stomach, one arm slides around the slight frame of the maned wolf and holds him tightly. I find that it doesn't feel wrong at all, and that comfort lets me slip easily into a peaceful sleep.