34 Chapter 34: Even Measures

Gavin and Gazin, the two travelers I met, were currently sitting before a small cook fire that I had set up. Gavin was the older gentleman, he had very odd yellow eyes, and white hair. Aside from the gruff facade he uses it's pretty easy to tell he's a good guy.

His "nephew" Gazin is a very different story however. Ever since they showed up their relationship felt very odd. It almost seems like like Gavin looks up to his own very young nephew...'weirdos'.

I shrugged off any initial oddness as just their personalities for now. I know I should probably be more wary of them, but well, it's been weeks. I really needed the company!

Gavins suspicious gaze has completely scouted my camp by this point. I didn't even attempt to stop them. If I was going to eat in some strangers camp, I'd at least make sure there were no surprises waiting for me.

I slowly turn the fish on the fire. "Mmm, they always smell so good. " I lick my lips. From Gazins focused gaze it seems like they've been living pretty rough for a while.

"That's quite the impressive ax Gavin."

"Yes, it is."

'Not very chatty on that are we?' "Hey Gazin, catch." I call out throwing some of my catch to the young man. He catches it, and with obvious relish begins to tear into the fish. While it may not be very much, or fancy, the food speaks directly to his heart as he inhales one fish, barely even picking out the bones.

I can only stand there, somewhat stunned. "Well, I guess you guys are very hungry huh..."

Gazin noticing the eyes on him, blushes furiously. "S..Sorry..Sir...We've just been travelling for a while...we haven't had an easy time through the woods."

Gavin narrows his eyes before cuffing Gazin harshly across the back of the head. "What have I told you about being too chatty?!" Looking at me Gavin hastily tries to state, "I was just foolish, we should have packed more gold for the trip."

My hackles raise slightly. Something is definitely off here, but we just gotta play it cool at first...yeah...

I grin softly, "Yes, I can understand that. This forest is a cruel mother. You guys relax, I need to get some water."

I stride out of camp, bucket under one arm, and head off behind my cave. While it would be easy to get water closer to camp, I leave so that they can have a bit of time alone. While they may be on guard against me, I doubt they fear the flowers.

Whistling a jaunty tune I carry on towards the river, the happy feeling of mischief in my heart. "Who knows, that secrets I may learn!

Dipping the bucket in the water I let my focus waver over to my plants. The connection is sharp and detailed. The feeling of the wind, and soil is like I'm standing there right now.

I spy my camp, but the two visitors are not where I left them. "How interesting."

Moving across my vast spy network, I do eventually locate them. "IN MY FUCKING CAVE YOU ASS HOLE?!" I can see them going through all my items, even casually throwing my trophy from Pinky!

Eyes burning with rage, I make my way slowly back. I make sure to take my time, and let the anger burn off slightly. When I do eventually make it back, they are seated exactly where I left them, and the same smile I had is back.

'I can't let this little rats know quite yet, but...' "Hey guys, how you doing?" I ask with an over emphasized amount of concern. They look at each other freezing slightly. I can tell they are asking 'are we out of breath?' Don't worry kids, your acting is fine. You just didn't factor in nanny-cams.

I'm constantly summoning my vines as I slowly sit down next to my fire. Liken assassins hidden in midnight, my vines make their way slowly. They inch closer to their targets. For someone as paranoid as Gavin, it would usually be quite hard to take him by surprise, but plants are part of nature. What part of their presence would ever seem unnatural in a forest?

I keep their growth confined to below ground, and I finally look Gazin in the eyes. I reach out and gently pat his head, "You're a good kid." I say with a smile, as my fines finally strike. The exact second, I was patting his head, Gavin looked at me. So the vines firmly coil around their legs binding their movements before they even know to panic. The vines lack their usual thorns, and merely bind their legs and pin their arms to their waists.

"WAIT IS THE MEANING OF THIS!" Gavin bellows loudly into the forest, scaring off a few birds.

I grin, and look to Gazin, who is remarkably composed. Unlike the usual scared demeanor you would expect of a child, so easily caught in a trap, he has no fear, or sadness. He merely looks to me questioningly.

I stand up again, and walk over to Gavin kicking him fiercely in the ribs. "Well the point of this is, *kick* that I truly do not *kick* appreciate *kick* you ransacking my home!"

I speak each word coldly, letting the anger finally overtake my voice. Where once I was calm and and kind, there is now only rage. Gazin looks at me and he seems to be slightly surprised, but it is Gavin that eventually talks.

"We have done no such thing! Please, you must have the wrong men!"

I stop dead in my tracks. "Are you serious right now? I SAW you!" With that my vicious kicks are now replaced by the threat of cold iron. Holding the fractured sword in my hand, I rip open Gavins tunic. Their by his side lies some of the weird rocks bigger monsters have inside of them. "I'm going to teach you a lesson about lying, especially to me."

With a steady hand, and a determined heart, I take my broken blade and reach to carve into his skin.

"Please sir druid no!"

The plea is far too little, I slowly and deliberately carve into Gavins skin right above his heart the word, "Thief".

"There, now you can show the world what you truly are."