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Herluin looked at the man before him for a long moment before he reached out, taking the man's hand in his own, shaking it. The man seemed to good air about him, one that made it seem as though one could trust him... or at least as far as any merchant could be trusted that was. He knew how his kind could be, the sort that did all they could to talk a person into buying something that they may or may not need. Provided that he didn't go about trying to sell anything to him he supposed that this little visit and shared meal should be alright he thought to himself. Herluin released his hand before he lowered Makani to the ground, patting the boy on the head, "Don't wander. Just go right to your friend." He said, giving him a quick lay out of what was before him before nudging him toward where the one called Lusala was located.

Makani nodded before he started forward at a slow pace, sliding his feet forward, ever careful so as not to trip over anything or bump into anything. Once his outstretched hands touched the side of the wagon he made his way to the steps that would bring him inside and climbed up to where hsi friend should be located, "Ahh... Lusala?" He called out in a hesitant voice. He couldn't really smell him at the moment, the scents of what the older guy was cooking too strong for him to pick out Lusala's scent. As such he merely remained in the doorway, hoping that his friend would notice that he was there. This was one of those times, though they were few and far between, that he wished he could see. He'd been born with the condition so he it was a rare thing, wanting for what he never had. In this instance though he felt as though it would make things a whole easier on him, he'd be able to find Lusala on his own even when the other scents around the Wind Tribesman were too strong to find him in that way.

"Lusala? I'm here for dinner!" He called, a little louder this time, tilting his head to try listen to the sounds around them, taking a couple steps forward. He thought he could hear Lusala, the way that the ladle and the pot that Lusala was stirring were clinking together drawing his attention. A good thing because he wanted to find his friend, get closer, and snuggle up to him once more... though maybe he should wait until he was done cooking? He didn't want to mess up the food or annoy Lusala because he was underfoot after all.

Herluin nodded his head, "He is a good boy, so like his mother." He said, wishing that the woman was still around, knowing that Makani still needed her though he knew full well that it was all up to him now. Sure, there was Eira but the two of them bickered a bit. They still had to get used to each other was all he thought to himself before he glanced over at the Wind Tribesman as he set to digging around in his wagon, producing a bottle of wine, and instantly Herluin wanted to object and pass on such a thing. As a hunter one had to keep their wits about them after all and drinking something strong wasn't going to be good for him, not would it allow him to keep his senses.

The mention of it being from Sauti did interest the man a touch though, there were many good things that came from that place even if the Ice Tribe tended not to care as much for the Wind Tribe as they should. Not that he would argue that point with a whole village though, best that he just do what he could for his own family he thought to himself as he followed the man to the tent he indicated, glancing toward the one that Makani had gone into. He figured the boy would be fine for a time, he was with his friend after all. They would share a meal when the one cooking it called for them, and then he and his son would head for home. That plan in mind he stepped inside the tent, careful to knock what snow he could off his boots before doing so, "I thank you for your hospitality. It has been some time since I have been in the good grances of a Wind Tribesman." Not since he'd gone to pick Makani up he thought to himself, trying to push such a thought aside.

He moved to settle down near to warm fire set up in the center of the tent, giving it a once over to make sure it didn't need more wood, ever the studious sort, before he turned his attention back to his host. This wasn't so bad, though he shouldn't spend too much time in here with him, the villagers like to gossip after all and he didn't need them chatting about him and some Wind Tribesman as though he were plotting something.

*****

Makani gave a smile when he heard Lusala's voice, lowering his hands to he could grab hold of the edges of the cloak he was wearing, holding it more tightly around him, and waited quietly. He didn't want to get in the way after all, especially not when it came to his new friend, so it was best that he just stayed still. The boy tilted his head to one side, listening to what was going on in front of him, able to figure out at least to a degree what Lusala was up to just by the sounds that he was making. Cooking still he'd guess. It made him wish that he could help somehow...

When he announced that dinner was all ready the boy perked up some, glad to hear that it was done. It meant that Lusala could talk him again and maybe even sit with him? That had been nice he thought to himself before he felt the other kneeling in front of him, smiling when he felt Lusala's hand against his. Makani was quick to catch hold of his friend's hand, stepping forward to give him a hug, before he said, "Rae was sleepy so she stayed home with my older sister." He wished that Rae could have come but long days left the puppy quite exhausted, "Papa carried me here since Rae didn't come along, he's talking with your Papa." He explained so that Lusala would know he didn't come all on his own.

Herluin starred down into his cup for a moment, then looked over at the other man as he started to speak, and he felt an instant connection with the man, feeling as though he were a kindred spirit. It wasn't as though he'd ever thought that he was alone in his plight, as though he were the only one to ever lose a loved one, but it wasn't often that he actually talked with one of them. If anything it was a pain that he had held close to himself because he had children that needed him, he couldn't show his pain when they were relying on him, "I know that feeling too well... I have always wondered what would have happened if they had survived..." He murmured, then quickly explained, "Ahhh... my wife, the one that bore my daughter Eira, and then my lover from Sauti, Makani's mother, I lost them both. It's left me with two children to raise on my own and I fear that I am not doing as well as I should. I am often away, needed by the village to hunt, it's what allows me to provide what the family needs." He hated to admit that he felt as though he were fumbling at times. He should act with confidence after all but it was hard to do at times.

Giving a bit of a sigh he lifted his cup to his lips, taking a sip from it, "I guess we just have to do the best that we can do for them since it's all that we can do at this point." This was the hand that they were dealt after all and it was up to them to fight the odds and raise their children to be strong. He just worried about Makani, given the boy's disability the world wasn't going to be kind to him. He would need even more of Herluin's attention and protection because of that. He would have to continue to fight hard for the sake of his young ones he thought to himself before he said to the other man, "This is good, reminds me of the times I stayed in Sauti from time to time with Makani's mother." How many times had he asked her to come to Zena with him but she was so stubborn, how he wished that he could have talked her into it perhaps she would still be with them.

*****

Makani happily cuddled closer to his friend, smiling all the while, before he nodded his head, "She is a good puppy! I love Rae very much." He told his friend before he gave a smile, "I will let you know if I find anymore Raptrix pups! If I do you can have one of them." Not that he could exactly promise to find one since it had just been luck that allowed him to find the abandoned pup that was Rae but if he were to run across another he'd give it to Lusala for sure. He lifted his head to nuzzle closer to him and said, "Until then I can be your friend!" He wasn't sure if it was the best offer or if he would be good enough to be the temporary replacement for a puppy but he would do his best! So long as he could make his new friend happy then Makani would be happy, Lusala was someone that he already liked quite a bit after all, likely because he smelled like home.

When Lusala spoke of what they would do next he gave a nod of his head, rather liking the sound of getting to help out, "I want to carry it! I will be very careful and make sure that none of the bread spills!" He told Lusala in an excited manner, loving the fact that he was going to be allowed to help. It wasn't quite something that he had been able to do of late since everyone was so certain that he was helpless. He wanted to be able to help out but he was starting to think that until he proved himself that he wouldn't be able to. Maybe this would be the best way to go about it? If he helped Lusala then others would be able to see that he could help!

Of course his excitement over being able to help was instantly overwhelmed when there was talk of snacks that had come all the way from Sauti. That was something that was even more important then anything else to a little kid like him, "Ooo... I can't wait to see what it is." He said, hugging on Lusala again, smiling happily, his pain from earlier in the day seeming to have eased due to the time he'd spent with his friend and his Papa. The boy was resilient if nothing else and he'd get stronger from it so long as he didn't let it overwhelm him.

Herluin looked down into his cup for a moment as he found it topped off despite him only taking a couple of sips from it, "It will be nice to spend a bit of time with someone that knows the same worries as me. It isn't something that I can really speak of with others, especially my children, I hate the idea of burdening them with my woes." He said before he took another sip from the wine. He could tell just from the taste of it that it had a kick to it. As such he was going to have to be very careful around this particular drink if he didn't want to have it kick his a**.

He looked over at the merchant for a long, drawn out moment, then shook his head, "Forgive me if I sound rude, but I will be calling no man 'master'." He told the merchant, giving him a hard stare before he took another sip from his drink. There was no way that would happen, ever. He wasn't so weak that he would use such a title with anyone, especially another man, but he supposed that he could call him by the other title. It seemed strange too though, to call a man by his profession, it would be as though he asked the man to call him 'The Hunter' because that was how he spent his days. The idea that the man was able to get men and women to call him 'The Master' so easily and so often that he'd all but forgotten his own name seemed strange to Herluin. Perhaps it was just something that the Wind Tribe did? Or maybe taking on strange titles was more the hobby of a merchant? All Herluin knew was that as a member of the Ice Tribe and a Hunter it wasn't something that he would do himself.

"I will just call you Merchant I suppose, though it feels a little odd." He told the other man after a long moment of thought. He couldn't just call him 'Hey You' for the rest of their time together after all, best that he pick something to call him not matter how strange it might seem.

*****

Makani gave a soft laugh, nodding his head, "Of course I would be here to greet you if you came to visit again. You're so silly, Lusala." As though he would be anywhere else, this was where he lived now even if there were often times that he really missed Sauti. He just knew for a fact that he wouldn't really have a chance to move back there until he was much older and much stronger, not to mention that he would need to figure out his place in the world before he was able to move around on his own. There was a lot of barriers ahead of him that would try to stop him from returning home but really hoped that he would be able to overcome them all so that one day he would be able to walk through Sauti on his own again.

These thoughts were all but forgotten as he got a little kiss on the forehead, something that instantly silenced the boy, caused his eyes for a moment to go rather wide showing their pretty, hazy yellow depths, before they closed once more into their normal 'fox eyed' look. Giving a nod of his head he pushed up to his feet and soon enough he found the basket of bread being handed to him. He was quick to hold it closer to him, determined not to drop it, "Ohhh... yes, so long as you don't mind." He said, shifting the bread into one hand before he reached out to take hold of Lusala's shirt. Holding onto his friend was going to help a lot as far as getting around safely from place to place was concerned, something that had the boy both confident in what he was doing as well as relaxed, "All ready!" He chirped once he had himself and the bread basket situated just right.

Herluin supposed that it made sense for the man to be called Master by his students due to his proficiency in his job but he saw no reason why he should call him such a thing. He wasn't his student, he wasn't a merchant, and he wasn't even of the Wind Tribe. As such he wouldn't be calling the man 'Master' in the foreseeable future. At least the other man agreed, saying that it made no sense for Herluin to call him such, then added that he could simple call him 'friend'. He starred at him for a moment then gave a half shrug, "Perhaps, we will see how our meal together goes." He told him, then turned toward the door when he heard footsteps approaching. Nothing to worry about, he could tell who it was just given the sound of the footfall.

When the flap to the tent opened up and they stepped inside he gave a smile, glad to see his son there not only well but seemingly in a good mood. A bowl of soup was placed before him and he nodded to Lusala, "Thank you." He said before the basket of bread was thrust forward, almost into his face.

"I carried the bread, Papa!" Makani said in an excited manner, glad that he was able to help. Lusala said it was a 'huge help' though he didn't quite see how until he mentioned that it saved him from having to go into the cold more then he had to. The little boy gave a smile, "Glad to help." He said in a happy tone of voice before his attention was back on his father as the man took a couple pieces of the bread.

Reaching out he patted Makani lightly on the head, "Bring some to our host as well, just turn slightly to your right." He said to his son, wanting to make sure that he got the bread to the merchant without accidentally decking the man with it. While they weren't quite friends yet he felt at least that they were kindred spirits. Not to mention he didn't want the man getting upset with Makani for something that the boy couldn't help. Given he was young and blind Herluin knew he needed to protect the boy no matter what, "The soup smells good, thank you, Lusala."

There was a moment where Makani seemed to be thinking hard on something, that being recalling which way was right, before he turned that way and held the bread out toward where he felt the other man should be. He could hear his breathing and feel the warmth coming off of him, so he must be in this direction! Giving a smile he said, "Here you go! Bread!"

Herluin felt his body tense up a bit as Lusala announced that he would be in the next tent over with Makani, thus leaving him along with the merchant once more. Damn it, had he known that this was how the meal was going to end up, with them broken off into pairs, he would have refused. He thought that he was coming along to make sure that things were safe for his son, not so that he could end up with the strange Wind Tribe merchant all night. Bah, he would just see about finishing his meal and then he would head home he thought to himself.

Turning his head he watched as Makani left the tent with other boy, half wanting to call him back, not wanting him to be out of his sight for so long. At the same time though he was sure it would look suspicious if he were to call his son over to sit with him instead of letting him enjoy the meal. It wasn't often that he saw Makani so relaxed, not since losing his mother and being forced to come to Zena. As such perhaps it was best if he allowed him this one night to have some fun. After all these men were traveling merchants meaning they would be gone soon enough and then Makani would be alone with just his family and his dog once more. After deciding upon his current course of action and that of his son he turned his attention back to his meal. Best that he eat so that he could get ready to head out once Makani started to get tired.

A quick glance was given to the merchant before he started to eat, enjoying the soup, bread, and what was left of the wine in his cup. He would fill himself up on his meal, then dismiss himself when Makani was ready to go, it was a good plan.

*****

After he'd handed out the bread to the grown ups Makani found his hand taken in Lusala's hand before his friend was telling their Papas to enjoy their evening and that the would be in another tent. They were? That was odd... shouldn't they eat dinner with their Papas? Or did the two grown ups want to talk about grown up stuff? That wasn't any fun but maybe it was a good thing? He knew his Papa was lonely since Momma died so maybe he would make himself a friend? That would be nice he thought to himself as he walked along with friend, holding tightly to Lusala with one hand and the bread basket with the other one, "I hope that they can be friends." He said to Lusala, smiling up at him.

Once they arrived at the other tent he was quick to once more kick off what snow he could from his shoes before stepping inside, clinging more tightly to Lusala. Since he was unable to see anything inside the tent he felt it best to hold tightly to the one who could, that way he would keep from tipping anything over as they found a place to sit to eat their own meal. Just the smell of the food alone had Makani's stomach rumbling and he couldn't help but want to snag a piece of bread himself. It was something he refrained from doing though, sure that they would be able to eat once they had sat down. No need for him to rush he reminded himself, not wanting to appear as though he were a poor guest.

Herluin looked over at the merchant as the man posed a question to him and he seemed to think on it for a moment before saying, "I am considering it, I don't want my son staying up too late, it isn't good for one his age." That was a good enough reason, surely, for Herluin to dismiss himself when he was able to do so, right? At least he felt that it should suffice. He wasn't sure how long he should linger about with the merchants, feeling a touch uneasy as he did so. He just didn't understand the man given how different he was from those Herluin mostly dealt with and as such he was at a distinct disadvantage. Best that they part ways sooner then later.

"Eh? Hm." Cards? That should be alright, right? He didn't want to risk spending overly much more time with the man but a couple hands of cards should be alright. It would give Makani time to eat then, once they were done with their games, he could then go get his son and head home, "Alright, I don't see why not. Dinner, a few hands of cards, and then I will bring my son home so he can be tucked into bed." A little longer to finish their meal and play some cards shouldn't hurt, not to mention it would also give them something to do since Herluin was at such a loss on how to deal with the foreign merchant.

With that the man dug into his food, finding it to be quite to his liking, and he would have to send his regards to Lusala later. For the moment though he was busy with eating and dealing with the cook's father. The other man continued to talk as Herluin ate, quite the chatty sort it seemed, likely due to that job of his. It was the task of a merchant to talk circles around people after all, how else were they supposed to sell their wares if they didn't do that after all? This one seemed quite versed in the ability, something he'd be impressed by if he weren't also worried about what the man might try to sell him when the night was over and done with.

*****

Makani shook his head, "It's alright! We wanted to feed out Papas first, that's all." Best that they got food first he thought to himself, knowing full well that his father had days when he came home exhausted from the hunt and instead of eating he just curled up for sleep. It was then up to Eira and himself to rouse the man at least enough to get him to eat something before pulling off his boots, tucking him into bed, and letting him sleep for a while. He didn't mind holding back if it meant his father got a good meal that didn't involve having to shake him awake first.

The youngling made sure not to move from the spot that Lusala had him sit down at when he was told to give him a second, handing over the basket of bread when he needed to, "Ah! Thank you." He murmured, holding the piece he was offered, debating a moment before taking a bite. It should be alright to start now he thought to himself, happily inhaling the piece of bread like it was nothing. Once that was down he turned his attention to Lusala who had come to kneel before him if he had to guess right, giving a smile as he did so, "Thank you." He said again when he was given a spoon and helped to find where his bowl was sitting.

"I will let you know, thanks again." He chirped happily, leaning over the bowl where he could feel it's warmth and set to work eating, slowly but surely draining the bowl of it's delicious contents, purring over it all the while. It was quite good, like nothing he'd had before, and he wanted to savor every bite!

Herluin listened closely to the rules as they were laid out before him, finding them to be simple enough. It was a test of speed as well as one that involved a lot in the way of luck since it wasn't as though either of them would know what card was coming up next in either their own deck or the other person's deck. It was a game he felt wouldn't take too horribly long to completely and it would help to sharpen his speed at the same time. It was actually one that could be useful to him to play, "Yes, I suppose we will see how fast I am." Hopefully fast enough to beat this man he thought to himself. The idea that he may lose to a merchant didn't sit well with the Hunter.

Setting his empty dishes aside he prepared himself for the challenge ahead, seemingly treating it as though it were just that. Maybe he was too serious when it came to games and challenges, but that was just how he was. He was the sort that wanted to win and would do his best to make sure he did just that... even if there wasn't currently anything on the line since they hadn't wagered any stakes. It was more just a pride thing at the moment, which was more important to Herluin then anything else he might have bet.

*****

Makani paused in his eating when he was told that he was polite, something that had him smiling. His Momma and Papa both had been sure to drill manners into his head so having someone notice something as simple as him being polite made Makani quite happy actually. As Lusala started to describe the other children that he'd met with in the past he couldn't help but to wrinkle his nose a little, "I see... kids can be quite mean. There are some around the village that tease me for various things... some of which are a little lost on me. I don't really understand my 'weird coloration' after all." He murmured. Unable to see himself he couldn't really judge what was so weird about him. It was something he just chalked up to them picking on because it was different. For reasons he'd never understand different seemed to mean bad.

Shaking his head he reached a hand out toward where he could feel his friend's warmth at, patting his arm, "I am glad that you want to be my friend, Lusala. You don't have to worry, I will always be your friend no matter what." Even if Lusala had to go away eventually he would hold his kind friend in his heart he thought to himself before he started to eat once more.

At the mention of candy though dinner was forgotten for a moment and his full attention seemed to be back on Lusala once more, "Honey candy? Really?!" He squeaked out, wanting nothing more then to pounce on his friend again and cling to him until he shared the candy... something he refrained from doing since they both had hot food in their possession. He didn't want to make an awful mess of it after all. Best that he instead was careful when it came to the bowls of stew. He just had to be calm and patient and Lusala was sure to share with him... though the mention of a 'second thing' that Lusala wanted to let him borrow had the youngling squirming in place as he tried to behave himself. His voice brimming with curiosity he asked, "What is the second thing?"