Silk smiled, loading up the last of the bags and finally the blanket, making sure it was all secure before hoisting himself onto Bear once more.
“You’ll find out soon,” Silkwik replied, clicking to Bear. In response, the horse started forward, beginning his descent back down to the camp.
“So where you from, Fox?” he asked, simply just trying to make conversation. Perhaps it was to spite the boy, seeming all casual as he made him walk by his side. Or maybe it was because he was actually curious. He couldn’t tell.
Ominous. Bryce thought, though didn't push on the subject on the name of the other male. He fell back into step with the horse, hoisting his bag further up his back, "A small town a bout a days travel on foot from here." A vague answer but he didn't feel like giving the name of the town.. safety precautions and all. He had to be somewhat smart about this whole ordeal.
“Ah— then you have held up for a while, hmm?” Silk asked, not really expecting an answer. In fact, he was decently surprised, as well as moderately pleased. This kid was tougher than he seemed already. Still, he had no clue what was in store if he wanted to join a brotherhood like the Longhorns.
Silkwik kept his eyes around him, not seeming too occupied with the man by his side. This place was still dangerous, no matter how many people you brought with you— even if they weren’t strangers.
It wasn’t long before they made it back to the camp. Many people were inside their makeshift lean-tos already, leaving just a few men around the fire. They all looked grizzled and war-hardened, holding glasses of ale and breathing into their free hands to keep them warm. As Bear slowed to a stop, Silk dismounted, grabbing the supplies and bringing them to a nearby crate. He nodded a hello to the men before tying up Bear and shifting his gaze back over to Bryce.
“Well, kid, welcome to the camp,” he said, gesturing with his arms wide open. “But here’s the thing…”
He turned back around, taking a slim step closer to the boy.
“It takes a lot to join this bee as a brother, you got it? We’re a family. Every single one of us, backing the other up through and through. These folks over here? Some of the most dangerous ones you can get. You’ll have to watch where you step until you prove penny for nickel, alright?”
He turned back around again, stroking Bear’s muzzle once before beginning to walk away, gesturing for the kid to follow.
“And, before you ask again,” he began, brown eyes flicking back for a moment. “I’m the leader of this place. If you can use that brain of yours, I’m sure you know my name already.”
Bryce's eyes widened, "Silkwik?" He almost couldn't believe it. This was the man who ran this whole operation. The man who had brought all these people together. He hadn't thought he was going to meet him so quick but that was probably just him being naive.
"I- yes, yes I understand," He said hurriedly, trying to compose himself and not act like the child he probably looked like. He was nineteen, technically an adult but still most likely the youngest here, "I wouldn't expect anything less from a group such as this."
Silk let out a chuckle. It was a dodgy one, but joyous nonetheless.
“Glad to know you’re smart,” he replied, trucking over to another crate. He drew out two bottles, then tossed one to Bryce’s feet. He figured he’d start testing the kid tomorrow, considering Silk was already tired out of his mind. He’d never show it though, still keeping that charming smile plastered on his face.
With a flick of his head, he gestured for Bryce to follow him, and took a stance around the fire with the rest of the men.
“‘ey, Silky,” the thinner one mumbled, clearly already intoxicated. “What scraps you brought back?”
“Fox,” Silk called back to Bryce, putting a hand on the kid’s shoulder and pointing out the members. “I want you to meet Dierks—“ he pointed to the one who had spoke, a scar tearing through the left side of his face— “Dodge and Micha—“ he gestured to two younger men, each looking oddly similar, short red hair and bright smiles— “And this ‘ere’s Butch—“ he slapped a hand atop the bigger man’s shoulder.
“Everyone,” he continued, “this is Bryce. Welcome him with open arms, but don’t make it too easy, alright?”
“Rodger that, Silky,” Dierks replied, raising a glass. His black hair fell into his eyes, one of them stained a milky white from the scar. “Welcome, kid.”
With that, Silk sat down, gesturing beside him for Bryce to do the same.
Bryce couldn't help the smile the bloomed on his face. It was more of a welcome then he'd ever had at home, if you could even call it a home, it had never been for him. It wasn't much, but it was something. He sat down when Silk gestured to do so, resting his arms on his knees with the drink in both hands, "Thanks for not turning me away," He said, glancing towards Silk, "I didn't expect you to let me tag along so easily."
“Oh, don’t worry,” Dodge chimed. “It won’t be easy.”
“Yeah, Silky’s just tired today, huh big bug?” Micha laughed, smiling over at Silkwik. Silk just gave a small smile, shaking his head and looking down.
“Don’t listen to ‘em, Fox,” Silk muttered, glancing over to the kid. “They’ll tease you to their heart’s content. They tease me, too. But they are right about one thing— it won’t be this easy. We start tomorrow.”
“Start what?” Butch asked, flicking his eyes up to Silk and cocking his head.
“Yeah, you don’t mean Hissy, do you?” Dierks growled.
Silk let out a scoff. “Of course I mean Hissy. This kid can handle him.”
"Who's Hissy?" He tilted his head to the side a little. From the reaction of the others it didn't sound good and he felt his heart speed up slightly. Not that he showed it, he kept his face a mask of mere curiosity and intrigue at the mention of the new name.
The other men let out a laugh, all except Dierks and Silk. They were the ones who knew what Hissy could really do.
“He’s an old mustang we have ‘round here,” Silk explained. “A stubborn bangtail who hates every and all humans. His real name’s Hisswit, but he’s so fit to be tied, so we call ‘em Hissy.”
“Yeah, ‘f you can ride ‘em, you’re one of us,” Dodge said with a hearty laugh. Micha clapped his brother on the shoulder, nodding profusely.
Dierks just shook his head, taking another swig of his flask.
"Ah." That didn't sound good, "Gotcha." He swirled the drink in his hand. Bryce knew he had to try at least, even if he failed. He'd come all this way, he couldn't give up now, not when he was so close to his goal, his dream. He could do this, he knew he could.
Silk held back a sneer, his jaw locking. He didn’t know if Hisswit was the best option, but the mustang had never lead him wrong. Perhaps this time would be different. In fact, he was counting on it.
“But, as for now,” Silk said, still upkeeping his cheery demeanor somehow, despite both the concern and exhaustion. “He’s a friend, and will be treated like it. You fellas got that?”
“Rodger, Silky,” Micha drunkenly murmured, slurring profusely.
Dodge, probably the more sober of the two, nodded. “I’ll tell him again if he wakes up and doesn’t remember.”
Silk chuckled, shaking his head yet again. “Alright, thanks, Dog.”
He then glanced over to the boy, looking him up and down. He shot a crooked smile, running a hand through his hair.
“You’ll be staying with me tonight, Fox. Just so I can keep an eye on you,” he said. The second he had, Butch let out a laugh.
“At least let the kid have a day before you romance him, Chief,” Butch muttered gruffly, letting out a dim smile. His words radiated humor.
Silk just rolled his eyes, but the remark had at least earned a snort from Dierks. Any chance to tease the leader, the members would take.
Bryce blinked quickly, having not expected the sudden statement ten minutes into him arriving at the camp. He went the lightest shade of pink, however it was too light to be noticed unless you were face to face with him. He simply nodded to what Silk said, resting his head in his hand, "All righty, I'm not gonna steal anything from you all but fair is fair."
Silk sighed, narrowing his eyes and taking another swig.
“That’s exactly what a thief would say,” Micha muttered, leaning in. Dodge had to hold on to him to keep him from getting too close to the fire. “You’re no thief, are ya, kid? Probably just a loner who can’t even pull his own weight! A kid too busy caterwauling and gettin’ busted off to actually snag anything!”
Silk shot the man a glare, looking from Dodge to his brother.
“Dog, take ‘em to bed, he’s full as a tick,” Butch muttered. “No need to be hazin’ a tenderfoot like him.”
Silk turned to Bryce, leaning in slightly.
“Don’t listen to them. I just wanna make sure you’re in good hands, right? Plus, all the other tents are full. Don’t think nothin’ of it,” he murmured, fiddling with the bottle in his hand.
“I wouldn’t have come all this way to steal some shit,” Bryce mumbled, more to himself then anyone else, “I could do that back home.” He shook his head softly. They were right to be wary of him, after all he was a stranger, he hadn’t proven himself to them yet so they had every right to question him and not trust him. He’d do the same. He turned to Silk, “It’s fine. I get it. Don’t worry.”
“Yeah, you catch on quick,” Silk uttered, finishing off the last of his bottle and setting it aside. He watched with narrowed eyes as Dodge let Micha off, the two men swaying more than they should have. Whether Dodge was attempting to walk straight and Micha was the cause, or they both were just that… wasted, Silk didn’t know.
Butch then pushed himself to his feet, dusting off his trousers and patting Silk on the shoulder. He gave a small nod to Dierks.
“I’m gonna hit the hay, too,” he grumbled, the setting sun glinting off of the knife threaded through his belt. “Night, fellas. You too, kid. Don’t let Silk here give you any trouble.”
“Night, Butch,” Dierks and Silk said in unison, watching as the bigger man stalked off. It just left the last three sitting around the fire.
Bryce was quiet for a moment longer, watching the crackling of the fire and the light rustle of the leaves as it passed. He sighed through his nose, looking back to Silk, “Where are you headed, then?” He asked. He didn’t ask to include himself in the group as technically he wasn’t apart yet, “The group, I mean. Why are you headed south?”
“Well, we’re headed south hopefully to avoid the worst of this snow,” Silk mumbled, eyes on the fire. “But we’re headed west in the long run. Hoping to settle up in California or Oregon. They’re new states, new places. Maybe we can even make a name for ourselves. It’s all up in the air, but it’s better than being stuck east.”
“Yeah, we still have to cut through Wyoming, then probably take a longer break in Utah,” Dierks piped in. “‘Least it’s better’n traveling in the summers.”
Silk nodded, keeping his attention stationed at the rising flames. Dierks just eyed Bryce, still getting a feel for him.
Dierks was relatively around their age, if not older, with pitch black hair that fell into his yellow eyes. Although, because of all of his scarring, he looked older than he actually was. If you could put all of that aside, he was relatively handsome, but it was rare to do.
The young boy nodded. Logical. A ration reason for excessive travel in all this snow. He hated it himself, preferring to be somewhere warm and safe instead of out in unpredictable weather. But the reason was valid. Not that they needed one, however it was nice to know they were logical, or somewhat logical people, "Fair enough. Better to be up west then east. Any where's better then there."
“Couldn’t agree more,” Dierks said with a smile, raising his bottle in cheers and then taking his last sip, tossing it aside once he downed it.
“As for right now, though,” Silk began, “our objective is to get some sleep. What’d’ya say? Feelin’ tuckered yet?”
“I am,” Dierks replied, already pushing himself to his feet. “I’m headin’ out, too. Night, guys. I’ll see you at the crack o’ dawn, eh Silky? Get Hissy all prepped and preened?”
With the last statement he just cackled, already walking away without getting an answer. Silk just shook his head.
He then turned to Bryce, shifting his weight on the cold ground.
“It’s an odd group, but they mean well,” he said casually.
Bryce looked to Silk, offering a small smile as he nodded, "I can tell. Even if they didn't.." He shrugged, "I'm a stranger, I'd be wary of myself too." He muffled a yawn with the back of his hand, clearly more tired then he was letting on. Two days of consistent travel for the first time in a while had made him exhausted, "Sleep does seem nice though."
“‘Right then. Follow me,” Silk replied, pushing himself to his feet. He picked up the last of the bottles that had been left there, then began walking to a nearby lean-to. He tossed the bottles in a crate to the side of it, about to open the cover before he caught sight of a woman, sitting near the horse rack with a rifle in her hands. Her face was stoic, her auburn hair tied back and underneath a had adorned with what looked like wolves’ teeth.
“Night, Lottie,” he called, giving a wave of his hand. The woman turned, looking to give her best attempt at a smile before waving back, then turning again to her work.
Silk then looked over to Bryce, flicking his head in a gesture to come with him.
“It’s not much, but it serves his purpose,” he said, and with that, he crawled inside.
It was larger and more spacious than one expected, but Silk wasn’t a fan of that. With more room meant it was colder, and frankly, he didn’t enjoy that. There were a few blankets on the floor, and a few new ones from the day piled in the corner. Silk arranged them as best he could, taking off his coat and choker afterward. He. Then kicked off his boots, leaving on his trousers because of how cold it would get.
He hunkered down in his own make-shift pile of blankets, but it was clear he left the majority of them for the rest of the group. He knew how cold Dierks could get, and basically cared for the man like he was his kid. But then again, he did that with practically everyone.
“I’ll see you in the mornin’, Fox. Don’t worry ‘bout sleeping in. We’re leavin’ in the afternoon,” he said, turning so the boy could at least have some privacy during the night.
The tent was nicer then what Bryce had been sleeping in the past night. A simple, one man, slightly too small tent had prevented any snow from covering most of his body while he slept, however his feet had been subject to the cold. He placed his stuff down in the corner on his side of the room, nodding to the other as he slipped off his own boots and jacket, "Goodnight, Silk." He replied quietly, pulling a couple of the spare blankets his way as he settled down.
(Alrighty)
Silk was already up before the sun, sitting out in the freezing cold and holding a small mug of hot water, mixed with a few tea leaves. He was sitting atop one of the fence links they had tied the horses up to, watching as Dierks ran the infamous Hisswit around in circles, holding a heavy lead rope in one hand and a whip in the other. Dierks was the best one at longeing the mustang. The horse was fussy, and Dierks had been the only one to grow really close to it. Silk was definitely up there on the horse’s friend list, but not enough to longe him. Hell, he could barely even cut with Bear, due to the horse being a stubborn animal, and Silk being just as stubborn.
Suddenly, Hiss stopped in his tracks. Dierks whipped to it’s side, just getting it to crack and not actually hitting the animal, and clicking his tongue to get him running once more. The horse gave a sudden tug back on the rope, sending Dierks tumbling forward to the ground.
Silk couldn’t keep in his laughter, nearly falling off the dock as he heaved over, a light laughter sounding and only breaking for gasps for air. Dierks laboriously got up from the ground as Hissy pranced around, almost teasingly.
“I can break him, I swear!” Dierks called out, giving a slight laugh.
“Yeah, keep tellin’ yourself that, darling!” Silk yelled back mockingly. The other man then looked back, eyeing him over.
“He’s nearly gettin’ tired. When’s the kid gonna be up?” Dierks asked.
“No clue. He seemed pretty tired, so I told him to sleep as late as he needed.”
“Ah— I see.”
“Yeah,” Silk said, his smile widening. “Your work isn’t over, Dee. Keep workin’ em.”
“Yeah, yeah, fine,” the other man murmured, waving his hand and picking back up the lead, clicking to the horse again.
