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It had all been going so well this time. He had stalked and targeted his prey with almost no accidents or false starts. Even managing to sneak up relatively close before the first deer started to get jumpy. But it seemed the fates just didn't like him... since as it turned out, the small herd had a certain crazy buck as a protector.

His spear had long since been torn from his grip, the tip caught in the beast's flesh. Running had proven hopeless, as the large creature had twice the leg length that he did and had nearly gutted him on that first charge. He had found a semblance of refuge in the shadow of the saplings. Pressed back against the rocks he tried to make himself as thin as possible while fending off the deadly horns as best he could.

He never knew when the beast turned and left, or what happened to it. He only vaguely knew that Dancing Otter has leaped into the creature, driving it away with what appeared to be a far-too-small skinning knife. He remembered the bear.. and how Dancing Otter had found and rescued him back then too... it was what, a lunar cycle? two maybe? Something like that.. He had been thrown off a cliff to escape the crazed mother bear...

The faint calling of his friend and teacher dragged his mind back to the present, pain washed over him, helping to push back the hazy memories. "Unnnng..." He moaned softly, feeling the warmth of familiar chest. Opening his eyes at length he smiled weakly up at Otter, a faint colour touching his cheeks, obvious against the deathly pale colour he had gone. "Sorry.. I messed up again...."

His gaze dropped to the blood smeared over Dancing Otter, eyes widening. "What.... you’re hurt?" He voice was soft, breathy. It clearly hurt to speak. Most of the wounds were flesh-wounds, deep enough to bleed profusely but not life threatening. There was one more serious wound, a small puncture wound low on his side, but it seemed to have missed anything vital.

The sound startled him, amber eyes lifting from Otter's chest to his face. Letting them slide closed once more as he was held close he relaxed. He was safe, he knew Dancing Otter would make sure of that.. the youth had unshakable faith in the one the rest of the village scorned as a troublemaker. "I’m .. glad. I'm sorry... " He murmured softly in reply, letting his eyes close again. He didn't know why he couldn't concentrate. But it was like something had sucked the energy out of him.

Slowly he realised they were moving. Opening his eyes, staring at Otter's chest from where his head rested against the brave's shoulder, he murmured something softly. Then after a moment repeated it. "What about.. your.. weapons?"

He never heard the answer as he went quiet and still in the older brave's grip. Only once they were back at the teepee, and the youth had been set down did he stir again, as if waking from sleep. Groggy and disorientated. He lay still and quiet, not fussing as Dancing Otter tended to the wounds though they stung as each was cleaned. He knew it was his own fault..

After what felt like forever he realised Otter had sat back. Frowning slightly, worried over his strangely-subdued friend, he reached out. Fingers brushing against the man's hip, the closest part he could reach, in an attempt to get his attention.

Amber eyes were worried as they watched the other silently. The heat of the fire was like a warm line along one side of his body, leaving the other slightly chilled. But it was a pleasant sensation, reminding him that he was still alive. Blinking he suddenly realised that Otter had leaned down. Stray strands of the brave's dark hair feathered forwards, drifting in the faint air currents that moved around their tent.

He had the horrible urge to reach up and tug it, or smooth it away. It was distracting him... he had wanted to ask Otter something, but what was it? That damn silky-looking bit of hair waved at him again, chasing the question from his mind. Giving in he carefully reached upwards, slipping both arms round Dancing Otter's neck much like he had that first day. Letting his eyes drift closed as he sighed softly. Speaking seemed like too much effort just then.

The youth barely heard the beginning of the soft song, already drifting to sleep, safe against Dancing Otter's warmth.

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The fire had burnt down to aches in the night, and even the curling smoke had vanished as the cold pale light of dawn found the quiet tent. The slender, bruised form of the young brave was curled up close against his companion, seeking warmth against the cold chill of the new morning. Shivering slight he shifted closer, blond head tucked low.

Several of the wounds had bled during the night, but nothing that would be a cause for worry. Dark bruising trailed up one side of the youth's back, where he had slammed into the rocks in his frantic escape. Scrapes and grazes marked what was left of his body, or the visible parts at least. Some partly healed from previous hunting trips, some new.

It was a groggy-eyed Cub that peered out from the furs, blinking several times before his brain managed to translate what had been said. Swallowing a couple of times to recover his voice he nodded softly before croaking in a sleep-husky voice. "Yeah.. mostly." With a wince he rolled onto his back, arms lifting over his head as he stretched carefully. A soft sound escaping as abused body complained at the motion.

Settling back into the furs which carried the distinct scent of Dancing Otter, the youth rolled his head to watch his companion. A yawn making his eyes water briefly. Tugging the fur up to his chin despite the warmth of the fire that now filled the tent, he smiled softly, gaze apologetic. "I'm sorry about yesterday.... " Looking down he sighed softly. He couldn't seem to do anything right, despite otter's assurances that he was improving, he was getting frustrated by his own lack of progress.

The harsher than normal tone startled the youth, amber eyes lifting to study Dancing Otter in puzzlement. The explanation made him smile, though he shook his head before holding still so he could drink. Once his thirst was quenched he settled back, allowing himself to be coddled for a brief while before he woke up enough to feel guilty over it.

"No, you didn't. You saved me.. " He replied with a playful grin. "Scars are marks of life, yes? Its about time I had a few, with the trouble I get into." His voice was slowly returning to normal as he woke up properly. Pulling one arm out he pushed the fur down to his waist, the heat of the fire finally making it too warm to remain huddled under the skin like a woman.

Cub caught the bemused shake of the head and watched Dancing Otter with puzzled eyes. Despite the time they had spent together, a lot of what occupied the older brave's thoughts were unknown to the youth. Likewise, some of the jokes he didn't quite get either.. not that he much worried about it.

Blinking away a stray curl of blond hair as he watched the older male finish at the fire and shift over. Grinning he nodded his head, helping Otter move him till he was settled comfortably against the brave's chest. Making a happy sound in his throat he tilted his head up to look at the other leaning over him. Dancing Otter being considerably taller than the Cub himself.

"Very much so! It smells wonderful, you always cook such tasty stuff." He had come to love Otter's cooking, and was always excited about any meal the brave prepared. It was always so much more different to his usual fair back home, yet with pretty much the same ingredients. Otter was teaching him, but he hadn't quite managed to figure out how the guy came up with the meals and had them taste so amazing.

Chuckling at the older male's comment he looked back down at the bowl, licking his lips. "Mmmm.. you really think so?" He asked softly, peeking up again to try and see if Otter was teasing him, before turning his attention to the descending spoon.