[Isaac's locations stays static as Hector moves; he supposes Isaac has no need to hike when he can teleport where he wishes. It should be a full day's travel back, supposing he does not have to contend with the hunter attacks, injuries, and other distractions that had increased the time it had taken them to get this far out.
Hector takes it at a run, pushing his body more than he has since his quest for revenge. It's a relief to focus on the burn in his muscles, the cadence of his breathing. Unhindered by a traveling companion, other than his winged fairy, he can determine his own grueling pace.
He doesn't take the path that will cross with Isaac's, for now. He wants to do that when he's rested, properly supplied, and most importantly, completely cool-headed. So to Julia's cottage it is.
It is well into night when he reaches her home, but she rouses at the sound of his knock- a pattern they worked out together, to be cautious of her opening a door in a world of vampires and shapeshifters.
Hector's account of the past few days is brief and vague to the point of dishonestly, but Hector still gives Isaac enough respect to honor that wish of his. He makes no mention of another traveling with him, just that he'd been beset by hunters, wounded, and had needed to lead them away before he could return.]
It is safer for both of us for me to leave. I thank you, Julia, for your kindness and hospitality. Be well when I go.
[She sees in his eyes that he won't be persuaded otherwise, so with a sigh, she insists upon at least seeing him fed and rested before he wanders off into the wild unknown. She reheats some stew for Hector's dinner, and they divide up his devils as he eats. Julia is bequeathed Hector's strongest battle type Rasetz for protection, a Crow to keep watch without drawing too much attention, and a chef Pumpkin, in theory to help with cooking and chores, but really because Hector can think of no other use for it. Julia will accept no more fully-forged devils than that, saying the shards she still has will be more than enough.
When Hector sets out at dawn, he does so with his inventory full weapons, coin pouch, and enough supplies to actually support him on a journey. He also goes with Julia's resigned blessing, which lifts a weight he had not realized had been burdening him so heavily.
Turning back one last time to wave at Julia before she fades from view, Hector then takes a deep breath and reaches out his senses to pinpoint Isaac's direction. It is time for their reunion.]
imma fudge some travel times here so Isaac doesn't have to wait around for days
Hector takes it at a run, pushing his body more than he has since his quest for revenge. It's a relief to focus on the burn in his muscles, the cadence of his breathing. Unhindered by a traveling companion, other than his winged fairy, he can determine his own grueling pace.
He doesn't take the path that will cross with Isaac's, for now. He wants to do that when he's rested, properly supplied, and most importantly, completely cool-headed. So to Julia's cottage it is.
It is well into night when he reaches her home, but she rouses at the sound of his knock- a pattern they worked out together, to be cautious of her opening a door in a world of vampires and shapeshifters.
Hector's account of the past few days is brief and vague to the point of dishonestly, but Hector still gives Isaac enough respect to honor that wish of his. He makes no mention of another traveling with him, just that he'd been beset by hunters, wounded, and had needed to lead them away before he could return.]
It is safer for both of us for me to leave. I thank you, Julia, for your kindness and hospitality. Be well when I go.
[She sees in his eyes that he won't be persuaded otherwise, so with a sigh, she insists upon at least seeing him fed and rested before he wanders off into the wild unknown. She reheats some stew for Hector's dinner, and they divide up his devils as he eats. Julia is bequeathed Hector's strongest battle type Rasetz for protection, a Crow to keep watch without drawing too much attention, and a chef Pumpkin, in theory to help with cooking and chores, but really because Hector can think of no other use for it. Julia will accept no more fully-forged devils than that, saying the shards she still has will be more than enough.
When Hector sets out at dawn, he does so with his
inventory fullweapons, coin pouch, and enough supplies to actually support him on a journey. He also goes with Julia's resigned blessing, which lifts a weight he had not realized had been burdening him so heavily.Turning back one last time to wave at Julia before she fades from view, Hector then takes a deep breath and reaches out his senses to pinpoint Isaac's direction. It is time for their reunion.]