Waking Dawn

The next morning, Whiskey-Jack woke up early, the early light of dawn barely illuminating the room, his gaze drifting to Muskrat, who lay fast asleep beside him. He didn't want to wake his little brother, so he took a deep breath and readied himself to rise.

Using his sneak skill, he quietly slipped out of bed, skillfully navigating the creaky floorboards.

"AMAZING! I can't hear a thing!" he marveled, excitement bubbling within him at his new skills effectiveness.

As Whiskey-Jack stepped out of his room, he turned in astonishment. There sat Vix at the table, a cup of hot tea in hand.

"You're up early," she remarked with a knowing smile.

His heart raced. "Yeah... I was thinking about going hunting early," he replied, deciding that honesty felt best now that he'd been caught in the act.

"Did you grow up hunting at this time?" she asked, tilting her head curiously.

He searched his memories but found nothing. "No, my dad wanted to wait until Muskrat was old enough for us all to go together."

"Hmm... well, I know quite a bit. Why don't I come along and teach you a few things?" Vix suggested, her gentle smile igniting a warmth in his chest.

She had a calm demeanor that always put him at ease, making it hard to say no. Reluctantly, yet eager to learn, he agreed.

"Give me a few minutes and meet me at the north end of camp," she instructed cheerfully.

Several minutes passed, as he waited, doubts began to creep in. What if the hunt proved more dangerous than he anticipated?

"Maybe it's safer to go by myself," he thought, but it was too late to back out. He spotted Vix walking towards him, her presence filling the air with confidence.

Dressed in fitting leather armor, a fur vest, and gloves, her hair was pulled back in a tight ponytail. A bow and quiver slung over her shoulder and a large knife, almost the size of a sword, hung at her waist. He couldn't help but admire her readiness.

"Let's start with the basics!" she exclaimed, excitement radiating from her.