[ Stephen, on the other hand, is growing more reassured rather than less. He's not oblivious to Clementine's tension, but there are a hundred reasons for it, and he's never been all that good at reading complex emotions. What he does know, for sure, is that she gradually relaxes and shifts into a rhythm with him, and that's something he'd much rather try than take some swing at talking out her past like a therapist. This is the best way he knows of to earn a measure of trust.
It's rare that she catches something he doesn't. He's good at this. But when she does, he's impressed, and he doesn't attempt to hide the smile on his face. Gives her a little nod, in acknowledgment or thanks.
The deer aren't aware that they're being stalked (it's three of them that Stephen and Clementine are following, one male, one female, one immature that Stephen guesses is also male, and nearly mature, judging by the size) so the two of them make good progress, and it's not too long before they catch sight of the animals grazing ahead.
Stephen settles behind a tree and flips the safety off on his rifle, staying careful about where he points it. He glances to her and gestures - she takes left, he takes right? ]
spam
It's rare that she catches something he doesn't. He's good at this. But when she does, he's impressed, and he doesn't attempt to hide the smile on his face. Gives her a little nod, in acknowledgment or thanks.
The deer aren't aware that they're being stalked (it's three of them that Stephen and Clementine are following, one male, one female, one immature that Stephen guesses is also male, and nearly mature, judging by the size) so the two of them make good progress, and it's not too long before they catch sight of the animals grazing ahead.
Stephen settles behind a tree and flips the safety off on his rifle, staying careful about where he points it. He glances to her and gestures - she takes left, he takes right? ]