Gregor looked over Artemis several times before smiling and saying hello. She seemed shy and pulled away slightly, but after reassurance from Nike and Aurora – who didn't seem to be discriminating her – she held out her wing and allowed Gregor to grasp it.
Howard dismounted from Nike and came to stand by Gregor, "she seems trustworthy, though she is very shy and ready to flee at any moment."
Ripred, who had heard Howard, came over and looked suspiciously at the new bat. Then lashed his tail at her.
Instantly, she took to the air and flew a few laps around the open area, then came to land a ways away from the group.
"Her reflexes are fast," Ratchet said, "she will make good for quick escapes if the time comes."
Ripred looked at him, and nodded, "I trust your judgment, Ratchet." He turned away from the group and began to pace – "It we are to keep going, we must do so now – Artie, if you would like to accompany us, you may do so – so long as the entire group agrees to it."
Nike and Aurora did right off the bat – Luxa and Howard trusted their bonds and agreed to too.
"Trust her, I choose to, trust her," said Temp.
Gregor, after some deep thought regarding the group, and their safety. As well as the traveling conditions. Then he thought that Artemis probably knew the area better, and they had left the water bag back at the picnic area – because of the spinners. "I trust her too." He said finally.
Lapblood seemed to be considering the options too, because it took her a while to agree as well.
"Even though it would be extremely beneficial, we are shot on food supply, and do not need another mouth to feed," said Ratchet. "I do not agree to allow the flyer to join."
That settled things. Artemis would not be accompanying them.
"Sorry, love," said Ripred from the entrance of another tunnel. He turned down it and soon disappeared from view. Ratchet followed quickly, and then Lapblood slowly trailed behind them. Howard and Luxa mounted up on the bats and took off after them.
But Temp had other plans, "Idea bad," he said, standing upright to look Gregor in the eye. Gregor petted his head.
"Really? I believe you Temp, but we have to go now." Gregor began to follow the others. But then looked back at Artemis. Her wings had drooped and she looked as if she had nowhere to go.
"Aren't you coming?" he asked.
"The gnawer said that I may not join you." Artemis said sadly.
"Yes, but he will not make you leave if you decide to shadow us." Then he added; "I lost my bond about six months ago, and I need someone to be there for me right now. I don't know you very well, but Temp trusts you, and so I trust you too."
Artemis seemed to smile. "Very well," she said, and fluttered along behind Gregor. Keeping her distance from the others for the time being.
So, I just wanted to thank the people who continuously post reviews. It really means a lot to me that you guys are doing that:3 and also, thanks to the others who are reviewing too, i really apreciate it.
Until next time, MutantLeopard.