Fleeting light [Private]

While Bale wasn't really into the subject of broods, his mouth did spread into a real grin at the 'sorry sir'. It was actually amusing. While Bale would never be gifted the conversationist of the year award, he found Ouray's company likeable enough. Bale of course knew they were just scraping the surface like any random aquintances did; one part of him was wanting to discuss something deeper and one part was equally terrified Ouray could dig up something. Anything, really. No one knew Bale and he quite liked it that way, even though it was a bit lonely sometimes. But better lonely and safe.

This track of thought was distrupted with Ouray mentioning getting lost. Bale hadn't even considered it, really. He knew this way rather well, the core herd was here often and so was Bale in his duty. And even if he'd lose his way, he would never admit it. He'd rather have them go round the Riddle Mountains and through the Marsh before saying he was lost. So he was to keep track, he reminded himself mentally.

Bale frowned. It was true distance sometimes did wonders. No matter how fanatic he was about his herd or how proud he was to be a member, he, too, sometimes needed some space. There was always a little friction, a little tension, there was bound to be due to the herd dynamics. While Bale had adapted to the herd's system his entire life, it was still exhausting sometimes.

"I agree, having some space does wonders for clearing the mind", Bale said. He sort of wanted to ask if something was bothering Ouray, but he was afraid of stepping over some mental line. And he wasn't sure what use that information would be, anyway. "A lot of friction these days", he decided to add. With the new leader and on-coming war, of course there was. Some coped better than others, some were still clinging in the old days. Bale had heard the murmur, the little undecidfullness go through the herd in waves, and it just made just a little bit hole into him believing so firmly into his own herd members. He would live and die for his leader and for the bigger cause, but his faith in the actual followers was not as great as it had once been.

Bale knew they were nearing the bond by the minute, and he was happy when he finally saw that it still held water. This one very rarely went dry, altough it had happened a couple times that he recalled. Bale watched his step, as he would have probably died from shame if he had fallen on his face because of the three groots or some little hole in the ground.

He thought about Ouray's words. Yes, there had been murmurs about the position here and there, but no one openly suggesting they would have been a good new leader. He doubted it would have been any easier to become a leader that way, since instead of beating the old leader they would have had to fight their way to the top. That could have led to a witch's circle; one contestant making it up the ladder but eventually getting killed or too beaten, and someone would take the space because the previous one was too beat down because of the continuous battle. Yes, Bale supposed the current situation was much better for the herd.

"Hmm, could be. I agree though, having the brain for it is more important than brutal force. While I know some were or are not happy about this, I think things could have gone a lot worse, too", Bale said. They had reached the small pond; he walked up to the water and with no further ceremony lowered his head and drank. The water was so cold and fresh. So good.

"Even though many Bachelors respond to force, I don't think it would be a sustainable situation if the leader had to fight for his position all the time. I just hope our brothers know well enough to stay within the Rules, I'm looking forward to see where Cain takes us. I'm sure it's a lot different than we were probably original heading to#, Bale added after drinking.

Bale was starting to feel a bit like he'd said too much already, but then again, it was nice discussing with someone who seemed to actually get something, and overall actually have a functioning brain.

"It's nice to see I'm not all alone with my thoughts", he said simply. It was probably as close to a compliment as he could go.

Bale nodded in agreement about the infighting. It was idiotic to weaken their own herd from inside out, especially on the brink of the war. No herd could be strong if they did not unite. Bale hoped and trusted that everything would fall into place, that the Bachelors could work towards their unite goal and be the sole survivors in the islands if necessary.

Bale smiled, too. Not his usual, quick and stiff smile either but a more heartfelt one.

"Yes, it's good to see there is some intelligence amongs Scavengers as well", he responded with his smile changing to a more wicked grin. It was partly a joke and a tease, he knew the Scavengers did important jobs as well. They might not have been as organized or trained as the Infantry, but still. He gazed upon the sky, it was settling into the night. Bale no longer had an excuse to be away from the herd now that he had satisfied his thirst. He still lowered his head one more time and took a sip from the pond. He wouldn't be needed back for a while now as he was not required on guard until first morning light, though he would probably need to get an hour or two of actual rest. He wasn't certain how to procede.

He did find Ouray's company enjoyable, but his head was a bit slow with coming up with anything worthwhile when it came to topics. He couldn't help yawning, now that he was no longer as tight with his company and had relaxed quite a bit. "Sorry", he simply said. Keeping on the constant lookout took its toll.