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[dadication]

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[dadication]

"So whatever message they may have been carrying was probably lost in part," he remarked. He wasn't so certain on the memory span of snakes after all, though that their companion garter snake had decided to show up and looking well fed and happy was good. He hadn't wanted to leave it out here, and it seemed a good companion for Gabriel too. "You're of value in certain circles; I would just get in the way." Jack had no doubt that they would be tortured first, but in the end, they would likely be killed.

He tightened his arm around Gabriel's waist, holding the gorgon close. He nodded his head, used to traveling through harsh winters. "Likely a wholly unpleasant experience for you," he murmured. "Do you want to go south rather than where you were taken from? I know you have items you want back, but they may last until next Spring?"

[gr1m]

He shook his head. "Only in translation, their memories are better than some would give them credit for- even if usually used for other things like migration routes or where to go during mating seasons." He allowed the snake to curl over his shoulders, noting the plait hi hair as braided in to, corner of his mouth twitching just faintly. There was a low noise in his throat, "If they decide I'm worth more dead than alive."

Would be putting it lightly, "I get cold fairly easily." There was something warm with how that arm tightened around him, however. "I need to get that I left there, or else I'd be far more willing to move south quicker."

[dadication]

So... the fact that he had missed Gabriel had made it to the gorgon or not? He couldn't quite decide if he had spoken too much on those nights between or even on jobs. "I did notice that snakes more readily came to check on me when I was by the fire. Some even dared to come into the inn where I was staying." He tipped his head towards Gabriel curiously. "Were you checking in on me?"

He did still at the idea of the gorgon suffering a fate like the one that Jack had come to take Gabriel from in the first place. He checked his lower lip. "They could send you to the king, I suppose. They couldn't use me against you to force you to stand down, could they?" He thought that was just mates that defended each other to the death.

Well, those blankets were very good purchases then, now weren't they? Plenty of area to keep Gabriel warm next to the fire. "Then we'll retrieve what you need and I can see about helping you move south before winter takes a tight hold on the land."

[gr1m]

If the hunter wanted to know, he would have to ask the gorgon himself. "In a way? I couldn't think of any other way for you to know that I was getting any of what you were telling to the snakes," other than to make their presence safely known to Jack. "I guess they got a little creative with it, or a few bold ones took that upon themselves like this one." Brave little garter snake.

"I'm not sure that they would even think to try." Yet he still implied that he would do something to stop Jack's fate if he could- "For all I know, they could try and believe I've got you under some spell and want to break you free of it with how loyal of a hunter you've likely been." Which could result in the gorgon being put to death after torture to ask what he'd done. Really, he doubted they'd so easily think Jack helped him of his own free will.

"Thank you, again, for doing this."

[dadication]

He looked at the garter snake that had coiled itself up in that braid which Gabriel was still sporting, and he couldn't help but smile. "That one came most often and eventually decided to stay. I think it realized being inside my shirt for journeys was warmer and safer than it trying to follow me otherwise." And Jack hadn't minded either. The snake was calm enough to not musk him often, and now it seemed rather content with its lot in life. "If we ever part ways, I imagine I'll be sleeping under a pile of snakes."

It was true, what with Jack's reputation. Gorgons were creatures to fear, to tell one's children about in the night so they wouldn't misbehave. "I would do everything in my power so they couldn't hurt you," he murmured softly. It seemed a noble sacrifice as well if it came down to that, which he hoped it wouldn't. "I still... will take the risk if you will."

He stroked his palm over Gabe's side where it was secured around the gorgon's waist. "You're welcome. Now stop thanking me all the time. You're going to make me blush, and I'm so pale, it shows up immediately."

[gr1m]

"I'm glad- and a good thing they stuck with you." He remembered this was the one who was sent in to the cage. "Reasons I kept quiet and still in that cage was because this one told me what was going on, what you asked it to." A fingertips brushing over the little snake's head. "At least no one would bother you in the night or else they'd risk snake bites." A touch amused.

What a strange, strange hunter. "So long as you are willing, so am I." He was also willing to risk his own neck for the hunter if something came to that, but felt it was wiser to not mention that at least. Not yet/

Gabriel relaxed against him, careful as his head set against the hunter's shoulder testingly. Letting himself simply be... comfortable. "Especially around the ears."

[dadication]

He nodded his head, glad that he had decided to listen to them and not shoo them away either. It seemed to have worked out well for them. "I didn't want you to panic, and I couldn't tell what state you were in since they had your head covered." He knew the little garter snake would due its duty, and that had been the best part of it all. They had managed all of this because of that group effort. "I suppose that's true. They will suck all my body heat out though." Just a touch amused himself.

He hadn't figured out his own motivations yet. It was better not to think about it honestly. "Then we'll make it work." It seemed they would take equal risk here. That was good. He would do what he had to in order to keep Gabriel safe.

He turned his head to both view what he could and be certain what was happening actually was happening. He slowly relaxed his shoulders into that contact. "What? I haven't flushed up yet..." Not denying the observation though.

[gr1m]

Had been the entire reason he hadn't thrashed and fought the moment he'd come to and someone was in the cage with him. The little snake had done it's task well. "Never alone, at least." Even if the only company was snakes, they were far more than what most thought of them.

They would make it work, hell or high water if it possibly came to that.

His head rested fully on Jack's shoulder when he didn't move away, keeping that tip of his tail curled around the man's hip. Letting himself basically be held in a way. "Briefly."

[dadication]

"No, that's true." Neither of them were alone, especially if the snakes kept showing up on scene to be with them. Now he especially knew that they came because of Gabriel. "And we managed to get you out of there without much fuss either. I had planned for having to fight and kill some of those creatures, but it seems they were more content with easier meals." And that would serve them well when it came to their escape as well.

He finally lifted a hand to gently cup Gabriel's cheek where it rested against his shoulder, patting it lightly. He grunted at the idea that he had flushed up, but he also knew he couldn't deny it. His pale complexion never served him well when it came to blood rising in his face and ears.

"I should grab us wood and water. You okay with that or want me to stay a bit longer?"

[gr1m]

All the better there was no fight and the creatures were starved enough to go for any bodies. "Better it was easier for the both of s than not." Could have gone worse in a few horrible ways or so he could imagine.

Eyes closed as he allowed for that touch, taking what he could get in what was given, some soft sound just under his breath, "Stay. Just for a little bit longer." To linger for just a few minutes more at the very least. He'd go back inside once Jack did finally have to move at least and make no fuss of it. Gabriel just wanted a little bit more.

[dadication]

"Yes, I agree. I didn't want to hurt them, but I would have to get you out of there," he said. He had hoped that the other creatures would leave them be to cover their escape. After all, a drugged out gorgon wouldn't get far if pursued. Perhaps it was as close to a thank you as he could expect from the other captured creatures.

Stay.

Jack couldn't recall a time when someone wanted him to sit tight for anything other than a mission or a debrief. His fingers caressed over Gabriel's cheek in response, and he hummed a low sound of agreement. He'd stay. "Alright, just a little while longer." His fingers continued to lightly stroke, keeping Gabe's cheek against his shoulder. His other arm tightened around the gorgon's waist to hold him close.

[gr1m]

"Things worked out." Even if there was still danger now, he'd still escaped with the hunter's help and that was what mattered in the thick of things. The other creatures would spread and wander, aiming towards going back to anything familiar. Some may stray and have other reasons to be hunted down, and others might just be caught up in it all again. Still hoped that he wouldn't end up being one of those.

Gabriel let himself relax and sink against Jack when he didn't move to get up, something warming up in his chest. A pleasant even if tight feeling, eyes closed. "Okay," just a little while longer of this would be enough. Allowed himself to be a bit selfish and requesting for him to at all.

This moment of comfort.

[dadication]

"It will. They will find their way back to where they came, I imagine." Many of them had been a little injured but mostly starving. Once they were fed and watered, he had no doubt that they would stray far and wide. That was good for them, meant that many teams would be spread out in search but not clustered together and hard to fight. Gabriel was his priority, so he would use this situation to their advantage to let the hunting parties move away from them.

While 'just a little longer' was the notion, Jack still tipped his head so it rested against Gabriel's as they sat there together. His fingers caressed face and neck, and he was content to watch the world beyond their cave move on. Nothing came this way, repelled by his spell, so he was safe just sitting in front of the illusion spell that hid their entrance to glancing eyes.

Maybe he closed his eyes here and there too, dozing now that Gabriel was awake to keep a sort of watch.

[gr1m]

They'd use his time to heal to double as allowing it all to pass, let them all out in front so that the hunter and gorgon could make the journey without worrying of hunting parties being anywhere behind. Could work with that.

His head tipped just enough to where he bared his neck a little to those caresses, tilted so his face could be reached easier as well. Showing an incredible amount of trust without hesitation. A hand rested against Jack's that was around his waist, fingers curled and encouraging it to be kept there. Tip of his tail idly curling in a sort of brushing over Jack's hip in turn.

Those snakes were keeping watch, a couple slithering to coil on top of Jack's head and rest easily.

[dadication]

What Jack hadn't expected was that even so little of a time between them had allowed this strange warmth to blossom between them. He understood gratitude for saving Gabriel, but this felt different than that. Honest. Warm. Affectionate. There was too much trust between them to simply be from helping one another.

His fingers stroked over the entirety of Gabe's neck, able to momentarily feel the flutter of that pulse here and there. He didn't concentrate on it, too busy just lazily allowing his fingers to soothe and stroke skin as they rested there together. With their heads rested together like that, he was keenly aware of the fact that some of Gabriel's snakes had come to settle on his head.

For a moment, he also almost thought their fingers might interlace and that would be... well, too intimate. Like they were starting an odd sort of courtship neither of them were probably that aware of. This peaceful moment soothed an aching part of him, which was why he just continued to stay.

[gr1m]

His hand simply rested there over Jack's, not pushing for anything beyond that arm remaining around the gorgon's waist. A clear welcome that it wasn't some unwelcome touch and things were fine.

It was... Nice. Very nice, extremely nice. Couldn't help but want to linger, even if for selfish reasons; seemed that Jack didn't mind with how eased in to it he felt as well. "Let me know when you want to move," spoken softly as eyes remained closed and simply took the moment in like this.

[dadication]

It was strange that they unanimously stayed together after Gabe's request, hands over one another and just watching the sun as it moved through the sky for a few hours. He was in a distinct lack of hurry to remove himself from the gorgon's presence, and the pressure to get their needs fulfilled didn't affect him.

It was only when the sun seemed to be moving towards setting that he flexed his hand under Gabe's and then slowly extracted his arm back. He sat up, but not before shifting to stroke a hand up Gabriel's back. "I need to go fetch us water and check the snares. It shouldn't me too long. Do you want me to bring anything back for you?"

[gr1m]

"If you happen to find any more berries along the path- don't go out of your way though." Just grab any if he saw them before there'd be no more to be found with how close to colder weather things were getting. Gabriel sat himself up a bit straighter in a way that nearly mimicked standing despite being all tail.

Snakes kept tucked against his hair, the plaiting still there. "I may try to rest a little more while waiting for you, if that is alright." After making sure the fire would still be lit by the time the hunter would return. Keep himself warm.

[dadication]

"I'll see what I can do. Getting late in the season for them, but I'm sure there will probably be some down by the water," he murmured as he extracted himself and moved to gather his pack and the bucket. He didn't plan on being gone too long, thinking to be back before dark.

"Good, you need it. The more you rest, the faster we can get you home," he murmured as he pulled his hood up over his head out of habit. "Your bandages look good, so I don't think we'll need to change them tonight either." They had even stayed in place, which he hadn't been certain about given Gabe had that snake body.

He approached, reaching out to find the gorgon's cheek with a hand. "I'll be back before dark. Send that garter snake if you need me to come okay?"

[gr1m]

A low hum. "It is, and all the more reason no to go out of your way to look, but if any remain by the water where you're going it wouldn't hurt either of us to have them." Berries could be dried and used to supplement other goods, or simply eaten if there weren't enough to consider that.

Gabriel glanced down, a hand brushing over one of the bandages on a higher part of his tail. "I think being still for so long helped with that. Let them better form to me so that my moving may not dislodge them so easily." Along with the poultice under some of them likely helping them 'stick' a little more, too.

His head tilted, cheek pressed against that reached out hand- "I'll be sure to. The little friend certainly knows how to find you quickly after all."

[dadication]

"Let's see what I can find, okay? Something more to supplement our diets." He thought that they would be good now that they didn't have cupcakes for sweetness anymore. What they could find around here would be less that he would have to go to town for.

"Best you remain still for a few more days," he murmured, thumb stroking Gabe's cheek. "Let's get you warm by the fire and I'll go out and see what traps have caught for us." He hummed in agreement, knowing that his magic would keep anything alive away from here. He felt confident that the gorgon would be safe when he was away.

"I'll go then."

As reluctant as he was, he shifted his weight and then eased away from Gabe. He moved to head out of the cave to slip off into the woods. First, he would check the snares then he would head to the creek in order to check for tracks, berries and collect water. He would make his rounds to be certain they were safe. He planned on being back by dark.

[gr1m]

"Okay." Simple as that.

Couldn't argue it, and he didn't watch to with that touch, head tilted against the stroking thumb as the gorgon watched the hunter's face. There was trust, and perhaps Gabriel was giving it too easily, but there were already so many times that Jack could have hurt him. Killed him. Left him to whatever fate he'd been about to go to.

Felt like his trust was well placed, and so when Jack moved away Gabriel kept himself coiled by the fire. "I'll be here." And he would, tending to that fire.

Did fall asleep after awhile, rested amongst his own coils.

[dadication]

The snares were empty today, prompting him to move them to other locations and hide them better. He then set about gathering berries from several bushes in the area that hadn't been ransacked both other animals fattening up for the winter months coming on. He managed to fill a small leather sack with them, and it would be enough to add to a meal or two. They could also dry them.

Then he set about moving among the brush to search for tracks, going so far as closer to the road where he could at least find an outcropping to peer in that direction. No one had come this far human activity wise, but he made note of tracks that was definitely from one of the creatures that he had freed.

He reckoned it shouldn't be able to get to their cave, but they would have to keep a weathered eye out. Likely it had been drugged like Gabe and needed space and time to recover. It could also attack one or both of them if they left the cave.

Once his rounds were done, he returned to the creek to gather water for them and then began to head back up the slope to the cave itself, being certain to cover his tracks. It was twilight when he hauled himself up with their little bounty and he noted the gorgon sleeping by the fire. Good.

Setting down the bucket of water near their 'cooking' area, he unloaded his pack quietly and then seated himself nearby.

[gr1m]

The snakes of his hair perked up, but the gorgon himself wasn't stirred from his sleep. They watched while he rested, and that garter snake slithered closer from where it and curled up to rest to observe safely as Jack unloaded his pack.

Cave was still nice and warm around that fire, Gabriel had kept it well fed, and the warmth was welcome compared to the chill that took more to the air as the sun started to go down.

Did wake up after a moment, stretching out long amongst his coils, settling again as an eye cracked open- "Hm...?"

[dadication]

He sat down where he could reach out and pick up the garter snake and let it drape around his neck, a place that it always liked to be when he had his hood up like this. It was definitely nice and cozy in here, and he was glad for all the fire wood that had been collected. It would be daily to get more, but they were set for today.

He watched Gabriel sleep, admiring the gorgon with his magical vision. There was a beauty and a grace in the gorgon's design, and he could appreciate that. He supposed that this was more sight than most could have when it came to viewing the other creature, what with the side-effects of doing so being stone.

When Gabriel woke, he made a soft 'hm' sound in return. "You're looking better with all this sleep you've managed. I managed to find some berries if you're hungry. No fresh meat tonight, unfortunately."