Ragged Trails

Will had no practical issue with working jobs with a partner, even if he felt he could take on most jobs himself and not have to share a reward. But if this was what the job requested, regardless of their reasons, then he would oblige. Still, it almost always led to questions being asked. People prying into things they shouldn’t need to pry into. And Will wasn’t really interested in that sort of thing. Not when the wrong word could get you killed in a hurry. But in this case, the one he had been assigned to work with didn’t talk too much, aside from what was necessary. He could live with that.

Fighting off monsters, especially wolfos encroaching on the territory of this or that rich landowner, wasn’t new to the mercenary. But all this talk of magic marks to watch out for gave him the impression that this was no ordinary job. Things were happening all over Hyrule, strange things. He had seen his share of oddities during this war, and it kept him on his toes more than ever.

A scuffle had just finished when the partner would remark that the news was correct, apparently. The Zora remained expressionless under his hood, not bothering to sheathe his duelling blades. Odds were he would still have need for them before long, if these wolfos actually did have marks on them. The other mercenary began hiding the bodies though, which was strange. But then again, if someone was responsible, it would be better to have the element of surprise. Then they were off once more.

“Do you see any man tracks with that lantern?” came one of the few times Will had spoken this whole time. The other mercenary had a light, might as well make use of it.

Mabuz didn't even bother to look at the other man as he walked, not particularly interested in holding up a conversation. Not that the Zora did anything particularly wrong to earn that, he just hates talking to strangers, especially ones he didn't have a choice to bring along. He's a lone hunter, he doesn't do teamwork and partnerships when he does his job, others just cramp his style or slow him down when he clearly can do better alone. So the air between them has been understandably frigid and awkward so far, at least the fucker can fight.

His ear twitched when William spoke, at least his voice was easy on the ears, making him more willing to listen. Though, the mention of a lantern did cause him to give a small pause, honestly forgetting about the hanging tool on his built. To be frank, he didn't need it and never used it, he can see in the dark just fine without. He only really lit it up when he was traveling with his kids, because they needed the light more than he did.

Bah, just another reason he likes working alone, he doesn't have to worry about whether others have needs that he doesn't have. Well far be it from him to be that much of an asshole, he guesses.

"No. Just animals."

He said this before he even bothered to light the lantern so that both of them could see during this night. Although he loathes the shining beacon that basically lets everything know you are coming. Ugh, he feels too exposed like this, stealth is his thing.

"Our target has been hiding for a while, so I doubt we'll find anything fresh." He almost didn't say this, but if he's being forced into a team then fuck it, at least make it run as smooth as possible. The faster they are done the faster he can be on the road.

“Understood.”

It was a calm, cold affirmative. Devoid of well, anything. With less energy than a soldier, but completely lacking in malice. While Will would have rather worked alone, this was the objective that he had been given. So it was one that he would fulfill as per the needs of the client. He had no illusions as to this mercenary having any care for his entire existence. Quite frankly, Will didn’t care what the Gerudo mercenary thought of him, nor did Will care about him, or anyone, in general.

All he cared about was the man’s words regarding how long their quarry had been hiding, meaning they would find nothing fresh. A pity. It would be good to finish this quickly so he could be on his way to the next job. But long and drawn out conflicts were an unfortunate par for the course. At least the Gerudo had enough sense to actually use the lantern that he was carrying.

“If not man tracks, perhaps the tracks of the wolves” he spoke up after a period. “The quarry is using magic on the wolves. It is possible the packs leave a trail that could lead towards the target.”

He only gave a soft grunt in lieu of an answer, yes trying to track where the wolves had come from was probably their best bet right now. The issue with that however is that wolves don't usually leave tracks that can be followed. Most predatory animals don't care when other creatures know they are around, but wolves are more cautious than most.

Most of the ways to find wolves all involve them being alive as well…hm.

His eye scanned the moving surrounding carefully, looking for markings on the trees or traces of fresh dung, anything that could bring them closer. Lucky the stupid lanturn was on his blind side, his hair blocked any of that acursed light from irritating his eye.

Hmm, if he were to go into hiding into a forest like this, how would he do it? First off, you need an area large enough to house you and whatever stuff you own, but that area cannot be something anyone can just stumble over. A hideout means nothing if it wasn't hidden, so no obvious places. There would need to be a water source nearby, unless the bastard found an underwater source. Perhaps a ravine with hidden cave faces, dangerous to go down but might hide secrets well enough.

"Let's see if we can find a water source, we might have better luck sticking around them than wandering aimlessly."

Hmm, a water source was it? That wasn't a bad idea, actually. It was the most apt place to find life signs in an area considering its essentiality. While Mabuz' lantern was a hinderance to him, it provided a boon for the Zora who was able to use it to see better in the dark. His right eye, while not completely lost, wasn't as good as the other one. It was also possible their quarry was hiding underwater, which the Zora could handle if it came to it. Since he could swim without limitation, he could get past any magic that was allowing their target to remain underwater, such as through keeping a cave flood-free with it.

It didn't take long for the two of them to find a small lake in the woods. "See if you can find something nearby. I can check beneath the lake for anything magical in nature used to conceal."

He looked out at the small clearing, ears perked as he listened to their surroundings beyond the rush of the river. A moving water source was good, and he supposes that being paired with a Zora was a boon in this, he hated getting wet in his heavy clothes and light gear, the other could access that domain easier than Mabuz could ever navigate the land.

Not that he'll tell him that no, for one that's too awkward for him.

He gave a soft grunt at the other's words, already walking through the short grass to search for any tracks. Let's see, look for worn paths, spots where something may have walked multiple times, berries and fruits are good signs too. If there are enough things to eat and drink, it's a good place to stay. Their target has assumedly been here for some time, possibly long enough to make a semi-permanent lounging for themselves. He should check the trees for ones that have been methodically harvested, branches that have clearly been snapped or sawn off.

Still, even as he walked he couldn't spot any signs of activity at a glance, but when he focuses….ah, there.

Just a little off from the river, the large man knelt next to a mostly buried trap. It was wood, so it blended in pretty well, but it's the scent that got his attention. An offness that he can feel only slightly.

"Magic.." He'll leave it for now, he doesn't know what it's connected to or its strength.