Re: FW Part: One

by **Deathcap** Mon Jun 29, 2015 10:40 pm

Harir glanced around and gave a quick nod, while none of the kids objected.
Well fed and rested, the four were able to keep up quite well, fallowing after the Sliet and Harir quietly.
August, Piper and eventually Roy took to quiet conversation every now and then, While Matvey seemed to be feeling a little safer and straying from Roy's side a bit more.

Harir walked alongside Sliet, glancing over at her a few times. She seemed to be in much better shape and she had been and he wasn't going to voice any doubts about her strength or health in front of the recruits, but he was still a little worried. He decided he'd try to talk to her later when the kids were taken care of. When the reached the town, he noticed most of it was torn up; people had started to pack up their things into carts led my cattle and horses, and many of the buildings were empty and cleaned out. Harir noticed someone, a female, dressed in a heavy winter coat, walking out to meet them as they approached.

by **melodiousmysteries** Wed Jul 01, 2015 10:33 pm

Sliet walked alongside the others quietly, keeping an eye on them and where they were going, listening to conversations but never engaging in them herself. She grew tense as they got closer to the settlement, a bit confused as to why things were being packed up. They weren't that close, were they? She slowed to a stop when she noticed the figure headed in their direction watching them atentively. She thought she recognized the person, but she couldn't be sure with the distance, and considering their current situation, it would be best to wait for the information than have there be possible misunderstandings. Besides, even if they were the enemy, there was only one of them.

by **Deathcap** Wed Jul 01, 2015 10:47 pm

Ashi seemed unwilling to pull back the hood of her coat as she approached, and was visibly shivering. She didn't stand very tall, and looked to be in a rather bad mood, but addressed the other in a friendly manner. "Sliet? I saw you walking-" She started, glancing around the new arrival to the group around her, curious, and then suddenly wary as she noticed the four recruits. She paused, subtly glancing back to Sliet. "Why don't have... them tie and horse and... come inside for a bit. we can talk where it's warm." She suggested in an even tone. She hadn't seen the other in months, and was rather worried about the unknowns concerning this and SLiet's party of travellers.
The four kids had soon instinctively huddled together as stares and then angry, hushed voices were cast at their uniforms.

by **melodiousmysteries** Wed Jul 01, 2015 11:04 pm

"Ashi!" Sliet greeted, recognizing the smaller girl, smiling with the elation of a familiar, friendly, face. Her smile faded at the others words. She followed the others gaze to her companions, realizing her oversight. She couldn't exactly turn Ashi down, as much as she disliked the idea of leaving the others alone. She turned to Harir tensely, grabbing onto the edge of his sleeve to be sure she had his attention. "Take stormflame and the kids and lie low for a bit. Please. Don't let them run off. If they do then were all screwed." She whispered urgently, nodding to the younger ones before following after Ashi.

by **Deathcap** Wed Jul 01, 2015 11:15 pm

Harir nodded, concerned suddenly about Sliet running off and him being left with the kids. He took the lead to the horse and awkwardly let the kids crowd around him as he led them off, looking back at Sliet a last time before disappearing into the crowd.
Ashi led the other to low-roofed hut where a few warmly dressed individuals stood, each with a rifle at their back. She let the other in, walking into the building and pulling her hood down. "What happened to you?" She asked. "We lost contact and were told you were AWOL. Kathrine didn't know what to think." Speaking too quickly to really give the other time to answer she went on. "It's been a mess- theirs been a lot of small uprisings in the Federation, especially on the outer cities, so everyone's heading here and we keep sending them on, the thing is, the military has been trying to cut off all the deserters, and because of the strikes and uprisings, they're running out of food and supplies, which would be good, but now they're raiding the settlements. People are showing up with injuries, hypothermia, or they're starving, and there's nothing we can do and it's just creating more unrest." She rambled on, seeming to get more agitated as she went on, her eyes darting and her hands shaking. She stopped after a moment, looking back to the other, her gaze intense. "But what happened to you? Who are those people with you? Are you safe?" She asked again.

by **melodiousmysteries** Wed Jul 01, 2015 11:46 pm

Sliet listened to the other with growing guilt and fear, unable to get a word in. She really should have tried to tell someone before running off, but she hadn't been thinking logically back then, and she hadn't realized just how bad the situation was until Ashi had laid it all out like that. Sliet shook her head in a mixture of shame and guilt as the other asked her the same questions again. "I panicked when they caught Katherine. I had to get out of there. Sorry for making you worry." She had to think about the second question for a moment, unsure of how to answer clearly and honestly without making the other freak out. "My friends out there are all deserters. The four younger ones tagged along yesterday or the day before, nowhere else to go so they followed us the the next settlement. The other one... Harir was one of my lieutenants. I kind of dragged him along for the ride when i left. Pretty sure the military thinks were both dead by now." She explained, withholding what information she could while still being honest. "None of us are safe anymore, Ashi." She finished, answering the last question.

by **Deathcap** Fri Jul 03, 2015 7:15 pm

Ashi watched the other with growing concern, almost distrust on her face as she nodded. "I know we aren't... but there's steps we can take to prevent..." She trailed off, pausing and taking a piece of paper and scribbling down onto it in an unfamiliar language before continuing. "About the deserters." She locked eyes with the other, extremely serious. "Are you sure you can trust them? Farther back on the road, we had a recruit show up, injured, said they were deserting, wanted to go with us, help out, and we let them in. About a week after being with us on the road, they ran off after we reached the settlement, one of ours shot them, and we found instructions and gathered information on them. After that a small group of "refugees" showed up after they said they'd escaped the military. An hour later a platoon walked up on their tails and killed four of our men. We can't take risks, you know that." She told the other, turning back to a solder and beckoning him over. "I'm sending a report to Kathrine and the station about this, and your return.. You can wait here until she sends orders back for you, or just head there yourself." She passed the folded note to the soldier and sent her off. The door let in a cold gust of wind as the woman exited and ran off into the wind.
"If you do go, there's another of us, a younger girl, in the next group you'll meet. They're already moving, and have a few of our soldiers, so look out for them..." She trailed off, pressing a thumb and forefinger to her head as she tried to think, looking stressed. "Alex is still in the federation and Kathrine has been on her own schedule lately, so you might have to get your orders from Otifer. Things have gone to hell since you've been gone." She muttered.

by **melodiousmysteries** Fri Jul 03, 2015 10:40 pm

Sliet pouted at the others expression, rather hurt. It wasn't that hard to have faith in her, was it? She listened attentively to Ashi, meeting her gaze. "I can tell" Sliet grumbled, considering her options for a moment, leaning back in her seat. Sliet chewed on the inside of her lip anxiously at direction her thoughts were heading, but it seemed the best way to go, at least for now. "Ashi. I'm as sure as i can be about my trust in my companions, without any extraordinary measures." She paused, second guessing her decision. "If... if i were to leave in the morning, could i leave them here with you?" She asked uneasily, her exhaustion seeping into her expression.

by **Deathcap** Sat Jul 04, 2015 8:12 pm

Ashi hesitated. "They'd have to look after themselves. I can't spend time outfitting and monitoring a small group. And I can't offer them any protection from the settlers who lost their children to the Federation's military." She warned, not really caring one way or the other if the recruits Sliet had brought with her were trampled by fed up settlers. In fact, she wouldn't mind seeing it happen, but she knew it was wiser to be indifferent around her comrades."You might want to get rid of those military insignias, or they'll be strung up or beaten pretty soon." She added. "You can find a place to sleep in the inn. That's where most of our men are staying." The dark-haired girl didn't touch the reports strewn on the table, or offer to transfer what she knew to the other. She was a little annoyed over the soldiers and didn't feel like spending her time debriefing Sliet. Kathrine or someone could worry about that if they cared so much. She turned her back on the other, going back to her things without saying goodbye. One of their men opened the door for her to leave.

by **melodiousmysteries** Sun Jul 05, 2015 10:45 pm

Sliet stiffened as the other turned her back, more than a little bit frustrated. Shed made it this far and still couldn't get much help, or information. Guessing that was all she was going to get, she bit back a remark, gritting her teeth as she stood and walked to the door. she paused at the threshold, turning as though she wanted to say something but thinking better of it and stepped out into the frigid wind.

Sliet wandered around the edge of the settlement looking for the others, her braid whipping around in the wind and into her face a few times. She had completely forgotten about it until it literally landed between her eyes. It was surprising it was even still in, considering how long it had been, and all that had happened since, even if it was messy and loose now. She would have to kindly ask Harir to redo it for her. when she finally found the six of them, horse included, she didn't hesitate to walk up to them. "First things first" she said once shed reached them. "you four, come here." she finished, gesturing to the recruits.

by **Deathcap** Sun Jul 05, 2015 10:53 pm

Harir looked slightly worried as she approached, but was relieved she'd come back so quickly. He was standing off to the side with the kids positioned somewhat behind the horse to avoid attention being drawn to them.
The four exchanged glances before walking up to her hesitantly, August got pushed to the front of them. He kept his eyes lowered as he approached, uncertain of what she wanted. The four looked concerned, scared by the anger that was being directed at them by the others around them. "W-what is it?" He asked softly.

by **melodiousmysteries** Sun Jul 05, 2015 11:21 pm

"It's a bit late to be finding you new coats for today, so well have to settle for getting rid of the insignias. Unless you want the townspeople to come after you with torches and pitchforks. " she half joked, pulling her knife out and handing it to August carefully. "Ill give you guys the more detailed plan when we get to the inn."she added, trying to put the kids at ease a little bit, though this wasn't the situation for it.

by **Deathcap** Sun Jul 05, 2015 11:39 pm

August took the knife warily and picked the seems quickly at his shoulder, pulling the patch away and fitting it into his pocket. The others did the same, Piper helped Mat carefully and held the knife out handle-first to Sliet when they were all done.
When they had tied the horse and been given a room with two low beds and cold, running water, the four cleaned up and managed to huddle in together in one of the beds without any real conversation, too exhausted to spend time squabbling. Matvey nestled in, looking content between Roy and Piper.

As the others drifted to sleep, Harir took off his coat and examined the hole in the back. He took a moment to wash it under the tap and eventually sat at the foot of the bed, thinking about how to mend it absently. He glanced up at Sliet. "Where too, tomorrow? He asked her, keeping his voice low so as not to wake the kids.

by **melodiousmysteries** Mon Jul 06, 2015 12:06 am

Sliet cleaned up the left arm of her jacket meticulously, completely indifferent to the hole. It wasn't that big after all, it wouldn't cause too many problems. Once she was done, she sat on the empty bed, looking at the sleeping kids worriedly. She didn't envy what was in store for them, though she supposed there were worse fates. Sliet looked over at him when he addressed her, shrugging at the question. "I asked Ashi for a favor, she said shed let you guys stay here, as long as you take care of yourselves for the most part. I'll probably head out early for the station again in the morning. " she explained almost sadly. She wasn't sure why the thought of leaving alone made her feel so bad. Maybe it was the thought of being alone until who knew when, maybe it wasn't, but she knew it was going to bother her for a while.

by **Deathcap** Mon Jul 06, 2015 12:16 am

Harir felt a pang of alarm as she mentioned he would be staying here. "Wait, are you coming back?" He asked, turning to her quickly and searching her face, though he was pretty sure he knew the answer. "I thought we were staying together?" He asked softly. Was she really going to leave him behind after all this? He'd intended to stay by her side, whatever that would mean for him, and he didn't want to stay back here and do nothing while she disappeared, maybe forever, from his life.

by **melodiousmysteries** Mon Jul 06, 2015 12:28 am

Sliet jumped a bit in surprise at his reaction. She didn't know what she had expected, but that wasn't it. She composed herself quickly enough, frowning and shaking her head sadly. "Despite Ashi's complete and utter determination not to help, this is probably one of the safest places right now Harir, and i need you in danger like i need a hole in the head." She whispered , trying to hold his gaze, though she could swear it was physically starting to hurt her.

by **Deathcap** Mon Jul 06, 2015 12:38 am

Harir hesitated, trying to sort out whether he was feeling loyalty or longing as he swallowed, glancing away and trying not be selfish about this as he felt his chest ache. As much as he wanted to be there to make sure she was okay, he knew in reality that she could look after herself and he was likely to just slow her down. He glanced back up, attempting to keep his voice level. "I don't want to let you go, Sliet." He admitted quietly, knowing he had no other legitimate reasons to need to go with her.

by **melodiousmysteries** Mon Jul 06, 2015 12:53 am

Sliet stared at him for what felt like forever, letting his words sink in. She didn't think she'd heard him right at first before she remembered the pain in her gut at the thought of leaving. She felt heat rise in her face at the realization. Sliet rolled over to the far side of the bed hastily in an attempt to hide her face, climbing under the blankets. "Get to bed then." She whispered, trying to keep her voice steady. "We need to be up at the asscrack of dawn to get ready. "

by **Deathcap** Mon Jul 06, 2015 1:07 am

Harir didn't regret what he'd said, but he started to wish he hadn't been so up front about things as he saw Sliet get suddenly embarrassed. He hadn't meant to mess with her emotions, he'd just wanted her to know- but now he wasn't sure what to stay and she climbed into bed turned over. She she spoke, he nodded quickly, unable to speak for everything he was feeling as he laid down as well on the other side, facing away and trying in vain to sleep.

by **melodiousmysteries** Tue Jul 07, 2015 9:29 pm

Sliet stared at the wall grudgingly. She had to tell him about his brother, he should know, especially now. But she couldn't do it. Couldn't find the time or the words no matter how much she tried. So she stared at the wall, frustrated with herself, resisting the urge to move over closer like she had the last couple of nights, as she did her best to sleep.

by **Deathcap** Tue Jul 07, 2015 9:37 pm

Harir, still wide awake and aware Sliet was as well judging by how she was breathing, eventually whispered, so as not to wake the four kids in the opposite bed. "Sliet. I'm sorry. For what I said; that was selfish." He said softly. "I know this isn't about me or what I'm feeling, and I know you've been humoring me, letting me come along the last time, and probably would have been faster and safer if I wasn't there. Maybe you were lonely too, I don't know... If you want to part ways, I... I can look after myself. I don't want to make this anymore difficult for you." He added. It was hard for him to say, but he wanted whatever would keep Sliet safest, and if he was slowing her down, then that wasn't helping.

by **melodiousmysteries** Tue Jul 07, 2015 10:23 pm

Sliet sighed as he spoke, considering wether ot not to respond. "I don't want to part ways. I just thought it would be safer for you." She whispered. "And I haven't been humoring you. I told you before. It's my fault, I've been making up for that." She added, looking over her shoulder at him indignantly, a little offended that he believed she would humor anyone to this extent. "So stop apologizing for stupid things." She finished, puncuating her final statement by brining her heel back sharply to hit Harir in the back of the leg, just hard enough to sting for a while.

by **Deathcap** Tue Jul 07, 2015 10:38 pm

Harir bit back a yelp of surprise when she kicked him, turning abruptly. "Fine then. I was trying to be mature, but if you're going to kick me, maybe I'll just fine someone nicer to travel with anyway." He snapped sleepily, though more teasing than angry as he drew his legs up to avoid another whack and buried his face in the pillow. "I'll explore the vast snowy wastes with August." He muttered whimsically. After a moment he glanced back, more serious. "Thanks.. though." He added in an awkward whisper, before closing his eyes.

by **melodiousmysteries** Tue Jul 07, 2015 10:58 pm

Sliet smiled with amusement, holding in a laugh. "Fine, you do that then.stormflames better company anyway. Great listener. Just make sure August doesn't get himself shot again because i won't be there to fix him this time." She joked, giving in and inching over a bit closer, both out of rapidly growing habit and for the warmth." Don't thank me for stupid things either, or i swear i will kick you right off of this bed." She added, smile evident in her voice.

by **Deathcap** Tue Jul 07, 2015 11:08 pm

Harir smiled a little, but didn't reply as he drifted off to sleep.
The next thing he noticed was Sliet moving around and guessed it would be time to get up. He pushed himself off the bed and pulled his coat on, yawning silently. He glanced over at the four kids, feeling almost worried for them. They would probably be safer with these people than the military, provided that all this stuff Sliet seemed to be involved in would work out.
Once he had washed up a bit more with the water they had, he waited for Sliet to head out.

At the slight noise, Matvey had woken up, and was glancing up at them quietly as they got their things together.

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