(no subject)

[cog_nomen]

He could feel every minute in town drag on his patience. He was certain they were being followed, and the delay worried him. The necessity of clothes and supplies outweighed his fear that word and description of him would have reached Guth before he did. His fears were unfounded - anyone searching for him was behind him. He was grateful for that. He could have hunted to survive, but he couldn't afford the repeated delays.

He garnered all manner of strange looks before he procured a heavy set of traveling clothes and thick shoes, cutting his funds by an alarming amount. They were necessary - it was bound to get colder sooner rather than later, and he was not close enough to a leyline to transmute a proper set. With the addition of food and a sturdy rucksack, his money was reduced to coins. The bag was heavy, and he was glad that he would have help carrying it.

Thenotay had remained outside of town, resting. The chimera was surprisingly good at treeclimbing, though it was awkward for him to remain balanced on thin limbs. He'd agreed to wait for Conlan there, keeping a lookout for any danger that came their way. The alchemist shouldered his heavy pack, wishing that he felt more secure in leaving civilization.

Truth be told, he should have gone into seclusion long ago and he was well aware that it was dangerous to keep himself and Thenotay where they were easily discovered. Civilization was comforting though - he felt better to know there were other people around. Before now, it had been fairly easy to hide. Retreating to the wilds was the only remaining option.

Still, he felt as if it were only a delay. Someday, someone would find him again. He wasn't terribly afraid of death - he was already past middle age and heading toward elderly. The simple truth of the matter was that he wanted to continue living. Conlan felt he had a part yet to play in life. He also couldn't stand to abandon Thenotay to whatever might happen to the Chimera.

His new clothes fit well, but itched. He pushed idly at his sleeves as he walked, pushing them past his elbows to keep the irritating away from his wrists. As he was beyond the borders of the town, he did not worry about the old let-scars showing. He was just about to raise his voice for Thenotay when the chimera's distinct roar touched his ears.

Without thinking, he broke into a run. A hulking, furred shape came rapidly into view. Conlan recognized the Thusswolv who had first threatened his life then saved it. He dropped his pack in his haste - the wolv and the chimera were locked in combat again, Thenotay pressing his advantage on the retreating wolv. Conlan noted that the Thusswolv seemed reluctant to press his advantage, dodging and blocking rather than grappling or tearing at the chimera.

"Thenotay, stop!" Conlan raised his voice, running now. The chimera hesitated, it's roar dying down into a growl. He remained crouched, wary. The Thusswolv also remained on guard, and Conlan suspected that the chimera had initiated the attack on the trailing creature, rather than the other way around.

"Stop," The alchemist commanded. He was about to question the Thusswolv when the ambush came. He had just reached the treeline. All he could surmise from his sudden and painful impact with the ground was that the witch-hunter had been hidden in the canopy, waiting for the alchemist to get close enough to rescue his friend. Though smaller of stature, the witch-hunter had the advantage of momentum.