Random Shit

The halls of the citadel were silent. Everyone had gone to bed for the night. Hours of practicing, meetings and other business had been brought to a close when the sun set. No lights shown in the windows except for a few candles and even those would soon be extinguished.

In one of the lit rooms was a girl. She was writing a letter in the late hours of the night. She wiped tears from her eyes as she penned furiously. She never wanted any of this. The girl stopped for a moment and rested her head on the desk. She had to be brave. She had to be strong. She could not though. Tears streamed down her face, staining the paper, and left a small puddle on the wooden desk. She sobbed and whimpered quietly.

She was afraid to stay but, she was afraid to leave. She wanted to go but, she did not want to leave her family. The girl was filled with uncertainty. She sat herself back up and carefully peeled the paper from the table. The ink had ran a little but, it was still legible. She set it aside and dried the table. Her letter needed a few minutes to dry before she could finish it anyhow and, she needed a break from her writing.

The girl looked over her shoulder to the set of bunks behind her with a frown. The man laying in the bottom bunk was fast asleep still. Normally he would wake when she cried. He must have been exhausted.

The other man, who had claimed the top bunk as his, was also sleeping. He was good at that. He could sleep through almost anything.

She wiped her eyes once more as they filled with tears and returned to her letter. It was dry now and she continued her writing. The ink from her pen flower over the tear stains with little trouble but, she began to cry again. The girl held back her tears as she completed her writing and neatly folded the paper into a square before tucking it into her pocket. She cleaned the table and placed the ink well and pen back in their drawer before turning to the bunk behind her again once more.

The girl silently walked over to the bunk and shook with tears. She filled with guilt. The sleeping man had given everything he could for her and she was leaving him. He had taken her in and kept her safe. He had fed her, given her a bed and, treated her as his own. She sniffled and rubbed at her eyes. The girl wanted to wake him to tell him goodbye, he deserved that at least but, she did not want to see him hurt. She knew he would hurt in the morning when he read her letter.

Once again she averted her attention from the man and looked up to the top bunk. The man's brother was sleeping there. He was not like his brother but, the girl liked him all the same. He was more laid back than his brother. He knew what made her smile when she was sad. She knew that he would miss her too but, he would be too busy taking care of his younger brother to worry about how he felt.

The girl let out a small whimper and hugged her wings around herself. She would miss them both greatly. The door creaked quietly as she opened it to leave and the girl glanced back at the men. If they woke up, she had no chance at leaving. She let the door close behind her with a small thud and trudged down the hallway.

She sniffled as she traveled down the long hallway of the barracks. The candles in the hallways were almost burnt out and allowed for little light but, that did not matter. The girl knew the twists and turns by heart. She stopped by the entrance and knelt down to the stone floor. There was a loose tile that they hid messages under for each other. When the stone was in place there was nothing there. When the stone was out of place ninety degrees there was a message for someone.

The girl lifted the stone out of place and carefully placed the square of paper before retuning the stone to place and twisting it out of alignment. Tears fell onto the floor as she begun to cry again. The guilt was too much for her to bare. All she wanted was a clean slate to start over. She wanted the feelings to go away. Sadness, anger, hatred, and guilt plagued her.

She pushed herself from the cold floor and turned around to look down the hall. She knew everyone there and she knew they loved her. The girl just could not live with the horrible thing she had done and she felt that they all secretly hated her for it.

She carefully slide the stone back into it's proper place with her foot. Maybe it would be better if she just vanished. She looked back up from the floor and down the hall once more and rubbed her nose. This was it. This was the last time she would see this place.

The girl glanced at one of the few visible doors and tears welled in her eyes once more. She hesitantly stepped towards the door and rested her forehead on it finally allowing her tears to flow freely. She sobbed loudly. It did not matter to her if someone woke at that moment. Only her broken heart mattered.

Few minutes past but, it felt like hours. The girl pushed herself away from the wooden door and forced herself towards the exit. She could not stay any longer or she risked being caught. A gust of air pushed through the crack in the door as the girl opened it and walked out into the chilly night air. She silently closed the door behind her before turning around to look back at the large, stone building one last time.

She stood for a long moment before wiping her eyes and forcing herself to walk off into the darkness. The night shrouded her footsteps as she trudged off into unknown things and her words hung in the night time air, "I love you, Mama.."

JESSIE, YOU BETTER GET YOURSELF SOME TISSUES BEFORE YOU START.



A large figure sat alone in the middle of the night. The new moon had no light to shine down on him. The man sat alone in the dark, hugging a large, tattered coat. There was no light. There was no sound. The only thing that could be heard was the ragged breaths of the figure whom was curled over the coat. His elbows rested upon his knees as he hugged the coat as if it were a long lost person. He was crying.

What had he done to deserve such a thing? All he did was love his wife. He took care of his little boy. Why did they have to take them from him? It was so long ago but, the wound still felt fresh. He did not sleep well. The comfort and companionship of his wife was gone and the cot he now slept on felt cold to him.

He sniffled and rubbed away the tears on his cheeks but, they were only replaced with more. He nuzzled his face down into the folds of his coat and closed his eyes tightly. The man felt so alone. The coat had been a gift from his wife and, no matter how torn it was, he would sow it back up, like the many pieces of himself, and wear it.

It had been a long time sinces he had felt anything other than sorrow or guilt. He never smiled. What was happy? He remembered when he was happy but, he could not feel happy.

He crossed his arms over the frock in an X and rested his cheek on it. If only it could have hugged him back or told him "I love you." That was all he really wanted. He just wanted to see his wife again, even for only a few moments. Their son too.

The coat was smooth and soft to the touch as he ran his hand over it except where the stitches and patches had been placed. He could not ever dream of getting rid of it. He would keep it until the end of time. The man gently crumpled part of the coat in his hand and kissed it as he sniffled again. It was not the same but, it was a small comfort. He had been away a lot because of work and, she did not want him to be cold.

A small cloud formed in front of his face as he exhaled quietly. It was chilly out but, he did not mind it. He tried to calm the tremors in his hands. The crying had him shaking and had given him a terrible headache. He coughed and cleared his throat. It was sore. He was sore.

Another wave of tears threatened but, he choked them back and swallowed. His stomach churned and his head pounded. The coat in his lap was tear stained; he would have to wash it later.

The man closed his eyes to regain his composure when he felt a small hand hesitantly rest on his shoulder. He pressed his cheek against the hand. It was not his wife but, if he kept his eyes closed, he could pretend it was just for a moment.

When he reopened his eyes and looked up from his lap, he was met by the gaze of a young girl. She was an orphan that he had found shortly after losing his family. They both needed someone and he took her in to raise her as his own. The girl was maybe nine years in age, only a few years older than his son would have been.

She looked at him. She looked worried about him. The girl was young and did not completely understand his troubles but, she understood that he was upset. She reached a tiny hand out and gently placed it on his cheek, wiping away the left over tears as she did. That small act was enough to make the man tear up again.

The girl frowned and removed her hand quickly as if it was the issue but, before she could, the man had his hand gently over hers and sniffled. She did her best to give him a comforting smile and patted his head with her other hand.

The man mustered up his best, fake smile for the girl before he was reduced to tears once more. He looked away from the girl but, squeezed her hand a little. She did not need to see him crying. He sniffled once more and let his chin drop against his chest. He was broken.

His young caretaker slowly pulled her hand away from his cheek and lifted the coat from his lap. He had to have been cold but, he was punishing himself for not being able to defend his family. She walked behind him and draped the large coat over his broad shoulders before giving him the best hug she could. Her small arms did not fit around him but, she tried her hardest and, that was more than good enough.

The girl walked back around in front of him and gazed at him with large, blue eyes. He looked back at her and, much to her joy and his relief, he had stopped crying. She gave him a small smile before settling in the man's lap.

He gently hugged the girl against him and looked up at the sky. The girl let out a small giggle and hugged one of his arms. He was far larger than her and even just hugging one of his arms was a chore. The man glanced down at the girl who was happy to be sitting in his lap and he smiled a little. It was a broken, sad, hurt smile but, it was still a smile.

He rested a monster sized hand on the young girl's head and returned his gaze to the sky. He missed his son and his wife dearly and, sorrow still filled his heart but, at least he was not alone.

~Part One~

    The winter wind howled through the trees and the snow whipped through the air.  A terrible storm had set in upon the small village and everyone was hidden safely away in their homes for the night.  A single set of foot steps could be heard shuffling through the snow.  They crunched as the walked, the snow came down in sheets now and mixed with ice.

    The petite figure dropped to its hands and knees in the snow.  The young woman was far too cold to continue her journey.  She shivered violently and looked around for an abandoned house to sleep in for the night.  She had come too far to give up now.  The young woman was miles away from home.

    She forced herself back to her feet and glanced around the dark forest.  A few of the houses were lit or had things that adorned the porch but, there was one that was dark.  The porch was bare.  The lights were out.  She clumsily climbed the latter and slowly turned the door knob.  The door quietly opened allowing her to enter.  

    The house was dark but, obviously lived in.  A coat was thrown over the back of an old couch and a half burnt candle was on the window cill.  The smell of a fire was strong in the air but, the fire place had gone out already.  Only the smoldering ashes remained.  

    As she moved forward into the darkness, she tripped over an abnormally large pair of boots and stumbled.  She caught herself on her hands, trying to make as little noise as possible.  The residents of the house were not going to be happy when they found out she had broken in.  

    The young woman huddled up at the end of the couch and hugged her dampened coat around her.  She was cold.  Her bones ached with it.  The heat of the house was a blessing on her cold body and she bathed in the warmth.  The feeling was slowly starting to come back to her hands and feet.  Her nose ran a little from the sudden change in temperature but, it was a welcomed symptom.

    She exhaled quietly and closed her eyes.  The warmth was comforting and the dark was soothing.  She allowed herself to slip into sleep for a few moments.  She didn't care if  anyone caught her.  All she cared about was sleep.  

    A creak rung through the living room and she perked her head.  It must have been her imagination.  The house could have been settling.  She closed her eyes again and smiled a little.  The warmth was still more than all the comfort in the world to her at that moment.

    The creak was heard again though and it became a rhythm.  It sounded like walking.   The walking became louder and more clear.  She sat up and pulled a dagger from her belt.  She slipped it up into her sleeve.  The young woman would be ready to pull it on anyone who dared to start a fight with her.  She had been through worse than this before.  There was no reason to be afraid.

    She looked around the room, confusion tainting her face.  She heard someone walking yet, no one was there.  The girl passed it off as her imagination and relaxed back onto the couch again.  Her mind must have been playing tricks on her.  She was exhausted and tired after all.  

    Her eyes fell closed again, with the promise of sleep, when she was swiftly pulled into the air by the collar of her jacket.  The young woman yelped in surprise and lashed out at her attacker with the dagger she had hidden in her sleeve.  She was too tired to put up a real fight but, she was still willing to try.  She didn't come that far to have her life snuffed out.

    The blade struck her attacker across the face and he dropped her, taking a few steps back as he did so.  He wasn't expecting the blow to the face.  Blood ran down his cheek and dripped onto the floor.  The tall man grabbed her by the arm and yanked her back off the floor. He didn't know who she was or what she wanted.  For all he knew, she was there to steal or do harm.

    She kicked at the taller man but, he moved slightly to one side and she caught her foot on a chair instead.  The pain made her wince and tense up.  The young woman hung her head in defeat.  There was no way she could win a fight against someone so much larger than herself, especially in her current condition.

    The man lifted her to eye level with him and looked at her coldly, "What do you want?"  His voice was deep and cold.  It rang through the living room.

    She looked at him, not with fear but, with upsetting recognition.  Her father had been abusive; it's why she left home.  This was very similar to that.  She frowned at the cut on his face.  It hadn't been the greatest introduction.  The young woman took a moment to regain her composure before she answered at all.  Her voice was weak and quiet, "I am sorry..."  It was more of a whimper than actual words.  She was cold and tired.  She ached and was hungry.  She was weak.

    He snorted at her and put a large knife to her gut, "You had better be."  He had been woken up and was far less agreeable than normal.

   She stopped any struggling and sucked in a breath.  He wouldn't really kill her. Would he?  She looked at him again.  It was hard to see any facial features in the dim light but, she could see the cut on the side of his face still dripping.  His eyes were cold and steely.  She looked away from the cold gaze and closed her eyes.  

    He slowly pressed the knife to her midsection.  It wasn't enough pressure to cut flesh but, it was very uncomfortable and enough to keep her from moving.  If the young lady struggled at all, she would be cut.  He was about to speak again when light filled the room.  The young lady was startled and jumped.  The knife created a small tear in her jacket but, otherwise left her unharmed.

    Another man was standing at the mouth of the hallways with a large candle in one hand, a crutch in the other.  He rose an eyebrow at the two younger people, "Just what do you think you are doing?  Put the girl down."

    The young man withdrew his knife, back to his belt, and dropped the girl on the couch.  He turned to look at the man, "She-"

    "I do not care what she did.  Nothing is stolen and no one is hurt," the older man interrupted.
    The boy snorted at his father but, didn't reply.  He walked back the hall to care for the wound on his face, earning a frown from the older man.  The man with the crutch turned back to face the girl and walked forward.  He was missing his right leg but, it didn't seem to faze him at all.  

    She shrunk back to the corner of the couch as he approached.   He sat at the far end of the couch and turned to look at her.  In a similar fashion to his son, his features were rather cold.  The girl looked up at him, obviously frightened, and hugged her knees.  She forced herself to speak, "I am sorry..."  Experience had taught her that she would be punished for such a thing but, this was not her home.  This was not her father.

    His face softened a little as he spoke, "You are not in any trouble."

    The young woman looked at him with a small amount of disbelief on her face and couldn't find the words for how grateful she was.

    He arched an eyebrow at his guest, "What is your name?"
    "E-Elaine... Sir..."  She stuttered.

    The one legged man frowned at her, "It is alright.. You are safe here.  I am Tane."

    She nodded at him and looked down the hallway to where the young man had gone.  A frown crossed her face and she tossed her dagger onto the ground.  Elaine hadn't meant to hurt anyone, she was just defending herself.  She glanced over at Tane and looked at the floor.  Surly she would be in trouble now.  She had hurt his family.

    She sighed shakily, "I did not mean it.  I really did not."

    Tane nodded as he spoke, "It is alright, it was in defense."

    "I hurt him still.." Elaine frowned, "I should make sure he is alright."

    "The boy will be fine.  He is a tough one."

    Elaine sighed, "I just...  I did not want to hurt anyone."

    The older man frowned, "If you insist, it is the second door on the left."

    Elaine nodded and stood.  She felt bad that she had injured someone, even if it was only to preserve her life.  She walked down the hallway and looked at the doors.  It was the second on the left.  The knob turned slowly and the door opened as she entered.  The young man from earlier was cleaning the cut on his face.  It was a deep wound and was still dripping with blood.  The dried blood on the side of his face left a dark red stain.  

    She stood in the doorway silently and watched him.  He glanced at her but, paid her no other attention.  He was too busy trying to stop the bleeding to mind the girl at all.  She frowned at him.  The young man placed a cloth patch over the wound and secured it tightly.  Applying some pressure was sure to help stop any bleeding.  

    Elaine was still standing in the doorway when he finished cleaning the wound and he looked at her again.  His eyes were still cold and he casted her an irritated glanced.  She frowned at him once again and hesitantly took a small step forward.  Anger was already a prominent feature on his face and she didn't want to make it worse.  

    "Are you alright?..."  She sounded genuinely concerned for him.

    He seemed a little taken back by the kindness but was still rather cold with her, "I am fine."
    "Are you sure?"  She frowned.

    He just nodded at her and looked in the mirror that hung on the wall.  He wanted to make sure the patch would stay until the wound healed.  She sighed and turned away.  At least she had tried to make amends with him.  She walked back down the hall but, she was too weak and her legs were too tired to carry her any further.  She sunk down to her knees and closed her eyes.  Maybe it would have been better if he killed her earlier.

    She struggled to stand again but, he entire body protested.  She had traveled far too long with no food or drink.  The endless miles had consumed her strength and the cold had weakened her.  Elaine sighed and resigned to the fact that she wasn't able to move at all.  She exhaled through her nose.

    The young man walked out of the washroom and looked down at the young woman.  Her eyes were still closed when he lifted her up and it startled her.  It set off some long ago, programmed reaction and she tried to shove him away until she remembered where she was.  He seemed patient enough and stood still as she calmed herself.  

    Elaine looked at him and tilted her head, "Why are you helping me?"

    He just shook his head and set her back on the couch.  He had his reasons but, she didn't need to know them.  The girl had been kind to him; he was just returning the favor.  The young man turned away from her to walk back down the hallway but, was stopped by a question.

    "What is your name?" Her voice was soft and sweet but, still strong.

    The young man stopped to glance back over his shoulder.  No one ever bothered with him.  He was a loner.  People didn't ask for his name.  She gave him a small smile as she waited for the answer to her question.  He was silent for a long, long moment before he responded, "Araris."

    Elaine nodded, "Thank you, Araris.."

    Araris shook his head and walked back the hallway to bed.  He was still exhausted.  The young man didn't sleep often and then this girl had interrupted.  The door slammed shut with an irritated thump.

    The young woman sat by herself for a little while and looked around the living room.  She didn't know if she was welcomed or not and it made her uncomfortable.  A few more minutes of silence passed before Tane reentered the living room from the kitchen.  She looked up at him with a look of uncertainty and Tane nodded at her.

    She smiled, "Thank you for being so kind."

    The older man sat back down on the couch, "Well, you most certainly cannot stay outside now, can you?  You would freeze."

    "I suppose that is true..."

    "You can stay as long as you need as long as you can earn your keep."

    Elaine nodded, "Oh, of course!"

    Tane nodded back at Elaine, "It is fine then."

    Elaine smiled, "Thank you so much."

    "It is nothing."  Tane stood, "I will see you in the morning then, Elaine."  He walked back the hallway, leaving her alone again.

    She watched as he crutches back the hallway and out of sight before blowing out the candle he had left for her on the end table.  She smiled a little to herself.  She hadn't felt safe in a house in a long time.  It was a nice feeling.  She could sleep in peace here without fear.  Elaine laid on the couch and closed her eyes.  It would be the first restful sleep she had in years.



~Part Two~

         The snow shined in the morning sun and the earth sighed in relief at the reprieve from the storm.  Elaine was still sleeping on the couch when the light woke her and she covered her eyes with a hand.  She was still tired and wanted to sleep just a little longer.  She rubbed the sleep from her eyes and looked around the room.  The sun was empty, just as it had been when she entered the night before.

    Boots fell on the wooden landing outside and Araris walked into the house.  He kicked the door closed behind him and strode into the kitchen.  The young man didn't seem to pay Elaine any mind as he did so.  She frowned at him.  The bandage on his cheek had been changed but, if a bandage was still in place, it must have been a bad injury.

    She pushed herself up from the couch and staggered out to the kitchen.  She was feeling a little better but, her legs were still weak.  The doorway held the girl up as she watched him.  He filled a few large canteens and slung them over his shoulder before he turned around to pull something out of another cupboard.  He glanced over at Elaine without saying anything.  He seemed to hold a certain amount of disdain for the girl, not that one could blame the young man.  She had caused him a rather serious injury that could have easily taken an eye.

    The young woman looked down at her feet when she glanced over and whispered, "I am sorry.."

    Araris seemed to ignore the remark as he walked passed her and back through the living room.  Elaine frowned and walked after him.  She was worried about him.  Maybe she didn't know him that well, they had just met, but, he seemed angry and upset.

    The young man turned around to face her as she followed.  She hadn't realized how tall he really was until that moment and took a few, shocked steps backwards.  He peered down at her.  His emotions were almost completely impossible to read.  When he finally did speak, he snapped.  His voice was more of an angry growl than that of an actual person, "I am fine, thank you.  If you need anything, talk to Father or Michael.  I am very busy."  

    Elaine shrank back as he snapped at her and exited the house.  She sat back down on the couch and listened to the silence.  It was something she had grown use to over the years of abuse at her home.  She sniffled and curled up in the corner of the couch.  She hadn't meant to anger or upset anyone. The young woman just wanted to make sure that she hadn't hurt him too badly.

    She hugged her knees to her chest and closed her eyes.  Why did everything always have to go wrong for her?  She didn't mean for it to be that way.  She had always been kind and caring to others.  She didn't really deserve this life.  Did she?

    The young woman sat in solitude and silence.  Time always seems to be slowest like that.  Silence truly was golden to the girl though.   Silence meant she wasn't being yelled at for something she didn't do.  Solitude meant she wasn't being struck for nothing.

    Elaine placed a hand on her upper arm where a bruise was.  It was more of a scar really.  A hand print, black and blue and purple, permanently marked her arm from years of grabbing.   She hugged her jacket around herself for the little comfort it would offer when the door opened once again.

    Araris walked inside once again and sighed as he slid down the wall.  He was the youngest and was often sent to and from places to fetch things.  It was annoying but, there was not much he could do about it other than accept it.  He glanced over of Elaine who was still sitting on the couch.  The bruise on her arm was showing while she examined it.  Tears had started to well in the girl's eyes again but, she hadn't started crying.  She wiped at her eyes and sniffled.

    He rose an eyebrow but, didn't say anything.  He hadn't ever been much for people, even more so with complete strangers.  He exhaled and closed his eyes for a brief moment. It wasn't his forte, dealing with emotional people.  

    The door swung open again and a second young man walked inside.  He looked a lot like Araris except his eyes were green and he was a couple inches shorter.  He glanced between the girl on the couch and his brother who was still sitting on the floor, "What did you do?"

    Araris snorted, "I did not do anything, Michael."

    His older brother frowned and walked over to the couch.  Michael sat down and looked at Elaine.  They didn't get many visitors in the village and no one traveled in the winter.  It was deadly.  People could easily freeze to death or be buried in a snow drift.

    The young woman looked up at Michael and then looked down.  He frowned at her and placed a hand on her knee.  He knew his younger brother could be cold and sometimes came off as mean but, he never really meant it.  It was worst when he was tired.  Elaine looked back up at him with an uncertain frown on her face and sighed.

    The older sibling patted her leg, "It is alright.  He is just tired."

    Elaine nodded slowly and nervously rubbed at the mark on her arm, earning a frown from the young man on the couch with her.

    He sounded rather concerned, a tone of voice that the young woman wasn't use to, "Are you alright?  That was not Little Brother, was it?"

    She nodded, "I am fine..." She tilted her head, "Little Brother?... No.  It was my father..."

    "Why would he do something like that?"  Michael frowned, "I am sorry.."

    "It is fine.."

    "It is not.  Family does not hurt family like that."

    Her eyes welled with tears again and she whimpered.  She couldn't even remember the last time like she felt she was part of a family.  It had been Elaine and her brother.  Her brother took care of her.  Their father was abusive and horribly possessive.

    Michael frowned at the girl and offered her a hug.  It was the only thing he could really do for her but, she looked like she needed it.  She was hesitant but, she did hug him.  She sniffled and buried her face in his jacket.  It had been a very long time since she had a hug from someone.  Her arms couldn't reach around to give him a proper hug but, he didn't seem to mind at all when he hugged her back.  

    The warmth of the hug enveloped her and her tears dried.  It was nice to feel like someone cared.  Maybe he was only being nice because of her situation but, anything was comforting right now.  

    The hug ended when Elaine let go and scooted herself back into the corner of the couch.  She was still getting use to her new home.  She glanced back and forth between the two boys and exhaled.  They seemed like they were nice enough even if Araris was grumpy, and their father did let her stay.

    She sighed and rested her head on the back of the couch, she was exhausted still.  Michael stood up and looked at her, "You can sleep in my hammock for now, come on."

    Elaine looked surprised at the offer but stood and followed him back the hallway, "Thank you.."  

    "It is nothing really," he said as he opened to door to the room, "Help yourself."

    The girl nodded and walked I to the room, "Thank you again.  What was your name?"

    He chuckled, "It is Michael but, what ever you would like to call me is fine."

    "Well, thank you, Michael," she smiled a little and closed the bedroom door.

    It was a large bedroom, made for someone much taller than herself.  She climbed up into the large hammock with a yawn and covered herself up.  She couldn't remember the last time she slept in a real hammock.  Making a home here didn't seem like an impossible thing anymore.  Even if they didn't view her as family, she could at least make friends.

    The light was fading from the windows and Elaine shut her eyes for the night.  She was still exhausted.  Quiet talking could be heard in the room, it must have been the two young men who were in the living room.  As Elaine dozed off, she could hear them.  They were talking about her.  She couldn't make out exactly what but, she heard her name a few times.  The girl waved it off as nothing and let sleep take her.  It was a well deserved sleep.

    Out in the living room, the conversation continued long after she had fallen asleep.  It wasn't every day a traveler stumbled into a home and was invited to stay.  Michael was much more welcoming of their new guest while Araris wanted nothing to do with the girl.

    The younger boy was often picked on by his older brother for being so asocial.  It wasn't that Araris didn't like people, he just didn't care for the constant company of others and, he detested new people.  If it were his choice, he wouldn't have anything to do with people other than family at all.

    Araris sighed, "Michael, stop."

    "Why?  She obviously likes you," he chuckled.

    "Says the one who is flirting with her," the younger one snorted.

    "I am just being nice.  She seemed upset."

    "Sure you were."

    "Believe what you want.  I am telling you, she likes you."

    "I have no time for such affairs."

    Michael chuckled, "You are not even twenty.  You have plenty of time for girls."

    "I have work and practice and training," Araris shook his head, "I do not have the time."

    His brother teased him, "Maybe you would not be so grumpy if you had a lady friend."

    "Or, maybe I would still just be myself.  I am not going to change just because of some girl.  She has not even been here a full week."

    "You could at least make nice. I mean, she needs a friend,"

    The younger brother just shook his head.  Whether the older or younger brother was right, they both had their opinions. Elaine couldn't fall asleep and had been standing in the hallway, she hadn't wanted to interrupt at all.  She smiled a little as she listened.  She did like him. He seemed like he just needed a friend and maybe he would be happier.  All she could do was try and, she still wanted to make up for accidentally hurting him.  After a few minutes she walked down the hall, she didn't want to seem like she had just been eves dropping.

    The two looked over at her.  One with a more welcoming look than the other.  Elaine smiled at the two and sat down on the couch, "Is everything alright? ... I am not any trouble, am I?"

    "You are no trouble at all," the older of the two shook his head.

    Elaine nodded, "I just do not want to be a problem."

    "You are fine, I promise."

    Elaine smiled again and looked over at Araris.  The young man was still sitting next to the door and was now staring at the ceiling in thought.  He thumped his fingers on the wooden floor as he did so and sighed.

    "Are you alright?..." Her voice was quiet but, she was curious.

    Araris gave an absent minded nod, "Mhmm.."

    The girl frowned and walked over to him, "I do not believe you."

    He glanced at the girl and gave her a shrug.  He didn't care what she thought.  

     Elaine sighed in frustration, "Just let me see.  I want to make sure I did not hurt you.  Is that so bad?"

    "Why should you care?"  He scoffed, "No one else does.."

    "I am just doing what is right," she frowned at his statement, "No one?"

    "Family.  That is it."

    Elaine sat next to him, "Surly, there are others..."

    The young man shook his head and shrugged.  He didn't seem bothered by it at all.  The fact bothered Elaine though, she knew how it felt to have no one that cared.  It was sad and scary and, it made a person feel closed off.  She placed a hand on his knee and he rose a skeptical eyebrow at her.  He wasn't sure what to make of her.  Araris had never had an actual friend before.

    She carefully peeled the bandage off his face to examine the would.  If it would have been anyone but a guest, he would have protested.    He always insisted that he was fine.   The young man shot Elaine a glare and she shushed him.  It wouldn't hurt to let her look and have her closure.

    His older brother snickered, "I told you so."

    "Knock it off," Araris growled.

    Elaine rose an eyebrow, "What did you tell him? And, you should take better care of your younger brother."

    "He does not like having help," Michael chuckled, "I usually end up smacked."

    Elaine shook her head as she examined the wound, "It looks like it might scar.." She frowned, "I did not mean to hurt you..."

   The younger brother shook his head without another word.  He didn't talk very often.  Elaine put the bandage back on his face and smiled at him.  He wasn't sure what to make of it.   Michael snickered at his brother again who tripped him.  Araris didn't see what was so funny.  The young lady giggled as she walked down the hallways again to sleep, "Goodnight.."


~Part Three~

    Time passed and Elaine found her place in the household.  It took a while and it took a lot of work but, she eventually learned that she was worth something.  Without her father around, she felt a lot better about herself.  She didn't doubt herself anymore.  She was proud of herself.

   She would often accompany the family of three when they went out to build or hunt.  They enjoyed her company as much as she enjoyed theirs.   The young lady was kind and, after spending so much time there, had taken a liking to Araris.  She had always been too nervous to outright admit it and, if the feeling was mutual, the young man showed no signs of it.

    It had been a few weeks since Elaine had first shown up and they all had grown accustom to Elaine's company.   She had been hanging up the laundry when it happened.  They took turns with chores.  She was equal to them, not like  when she lived at home.

    Araris stumbled in the door and leaned against the wall.  He had a broken leg and a torn wing.  He was bleeding badly as he sunk to the floor.  The blood pooled slowly at his hands and feet.  The young man's face was pale as he exhaled.

    Elaine stopped and frowned, "Are you alright?"  She knew that he would say yes despite the obvious injuries.  The girl walked over to him and knelt down, "Let us get you cleaned up..."

    He shook his head and pushed himself up but, the broken leg buckled and he dropped back down onto his hands and knees.  It wouldn't hold any of his weight.

    She frowned at him and helped him up, "Come on now, tell me what happened.."
    "Fell off the roof," he shrugged.  It was just an injury to him.  It would heal.  He would continue life.

    Elaine frowned deeper, "You all really need to be more careful.."  She forced him back to the washroom to have a look at the wounds.  Someone had to do it and she was the only one home at the time.  Unfortunately, she knew a lot about first aid from needed to take care of her own family inflicted wounds.

    The young man reluctantly sat down and watched Elaine as she checked over his leg.  The bone was snapped in two places.   She frowned at him and walked out of the room to get some supplied.  The bone would need set into place and his leg would need stabilized.  It would heal in time but, it would take a while, especially with how reluctant the young man was to allow himself time to rest.

  By the time she had returned, Araris was asleep with his head resting against the wall.  She knew he had been tired.  The three were often up for long periods of time and today had been no exception.  Construction was a laborious and tiring business.

    Elaine smiled a little as she patched him up.  She didn't want to wake him if she didn't need to.   The bone in his leg snapped back into place and Araris jumped awake, kicking his caretaker into the wall.  The girl stood up in a daze and held her head.  She didn't look mad though or upset, in fact, she laughed.  The young man looked rather confused by her reaction but, was relieved she didn't get hurt at all.  

    He just shook his head at Elaine and pushed himself up but, with his leg, he couldn't stand.  The young woman forced him to sit back down, "Park it."

    "I am fine," he protested.

    Elaine scolded him, "I have heard that more than once, you are hurt."

    "I am fine."

    "You are not! Now sit and let me fix your leg!" She snapped at him, something most people wouldn't ever dream of doing.

    He chuckled.  It was an unusual thing for him to do.  He usually showed little to no emotion but, something about her snapping amused him.  She shook her head as she set his let and wrapped it up.  He tensed up.  It hurt badly and sent a wave of pain up his leg.  Elaine frowned at his reaction and did her best to keep from causing him too much pain.

    Araris had dozed back off by the time she had finished tending to his wounds and she smiled.  At least he was able to help.  She looked at him and sighed.  She wasn't sure how to tell him.  After a few agonizing moments, she settled on leaving a feather in his lap before she walked out of the room.

    The air was cool when she walked out onto the porch.  The weather was a little warmer than normal for winter but, after so much snow, it was a welcome relief.  She sat down on the landing to the house and crossed her legs.  She had really liked Araris but was afraid of what was going to happen.  He didn't seem like the warmest person and she could have ruined everything,
with the small gesture.

    Tane and Michael had returned home from work.  Time passed.  The sky had begun to change colors with the setting sun before she heard from or saw Araris again.  He limped out onto the porch.  Damn him for being so stubborn about rest.  His leg would never get better if he kept walking on it like that.

    Elaine glanced up at him and smiled a little before she went back to looking at the sky.  It was obvious why he was there.  He never wanted anything from anyone unless it was important.  The young man sat next to her and simply asked, "Why?"

    She rose an eyebrow at him, "... Because, I like you?"

    "You have not even been here a full month yet.  How can you?"

    Elaine tried to hide her smile, "Your brother was right.  You are hard headed."

    "Michael talks to much," he snorted, "Just cut to the chance."

    "I told you, I like you.  I do not see how that is not plain enough."

    "Because, no one likes me."

    "Well, I do.  You are not as bad as everyone says, you know."

    He sighed but didn't say anything in return.

    The girl smiled, "You have been more than kind to me..  I have not met someone like that in years."

    Araris rose a skeptical eyebrow, "My brother has been kind too.  Why me and not him?"

    "You are not like everyone else."

    "Tell me about it..."

    Elaine put a hand on his knee, "Different is not a bad thing.  Different is different."  She smiled, "Maybe I like the fact that you are not easy to win over.. And, you are quiet but, you are very attentive all the same."

    He shrugged, "I just do what is right..."

    "Why do you think I like you so much?"  She sighed, "I should have known you did not care for me in the same way..."

    Araris turned to look at her, "Did I ever say that?"

    Elaine shook her head, "N-no but.."

    "But?"

    "You never showed it at all."

    "Do you really think I would have let you fix my leg otherwise?"

    Elaine smiled, "I suppose not..."

    The young man nodded and was quiet again.  He was done talking.  He never had a lot to say unless it was important.  She smiled at him.  Araris glanced over at her and just nodded.  He didn't need to say anything for her to know.   They had gotten along since the first day, they just never realized it.

    Elaine tucked one of her feathers in his hair but, he took it out and handed it back.  She frowned at him.  He rose an eyebrow at her as he plucked a feather from his wing and handed it over to her.  She instantly lit up and tucked it in her hair.

    He flashed her a quick smile before he went back to looking at the sky.  He was still pretty grumpy but, at least she knew he cared.  The young lady hadn't had anyone but her brother care for a very long time and it was a nice change.  She smiled and hugged his arm as she looked back up at the sky.

    The sun was almost completely behind the mountains and the moon had just begun to shine down upon the village.   There would be many more nights like this for the two in the future.


~Part Four~

They eventually got married and had a little boy but, in a horrible turn of events, she and the little boy were brutally murdered and Araris spiraled into horrible depression.

The end. xD

[8:36:06 PM] sugar satan: i shouldnt even be drawing porn
[8:36:10 PM] stAAAAArk: ginger porn 5eva
[8:36:15 PM] sugar satan: omg..................
[8:36:19 PM] stAAAAArk: LAUGHS
[8:36:22 PM] stAAAAArk: I JK
[8:37:19 PM] sugar satan: http://gyazo.com/735f74c0a8c83c6980c83f04f82e0fc4
[8:37:19 PM] sugar satan: look at it
[8:37:24 PM] sugar satan: i forgot his face markings
[8:38:31 PM] stAAAAArk: omfg
[8:38:33 PM] stAAAAArk: hes so cute
[8:38:38 PM] stAAAAArk: but porn
[8:38:46 PM] sugar satan: HES SO CUTE EVEN WHEN HE S GETTING FUKED IN THE BUTT
[8:38:48 PM] stAAAAArk: lyfe 2 hard
[8:38:50 PM] stAAAAArk: YEAA
[8:39:02 PM] sugar satan: i didnt think id ever have to type that
[8:39:06 PM] stAAAAArk: OH HEY
[8:39:09 PM] stAAAAArk: DID U KNOW
[8:39:13 PM] stAAAAArk: BUTT SECKS IS ILLEGAL
[8:39:24 PM] sugar satan: omfg
[8:39:30 PM] sugar satan: some1 can get hurt that why
[8:39:40 PM] stAAAAArk: like everywhere
[8:39:45 PM] stAAAAArk: how do you report that
[8:39:49 PM] sugar satan: srs tho why
[8:39:59 PM] sugar satan: how DO u report that??????
[8:40:00 PM] stAAAAArk: its consider sodemony
[8:40:05 PM] stAAAAArk: how ever you spell it
[8:40:14 PM] sugar satan: sodomy
[8:40:16 PM] stAAAAArk: "yeah I saw him put it in"
[8:40:22 PM] stAAAAArk: "yeah he put it in my botty"
[8:40:26 PM] stAAAAArk: IM CRYING OMFG
[8:40:27 PM] sugar satan: OMG
[8:40:31 PM] stAAAAArk: *booty
[8:40:44 PM] sugar satan: ITS LIKE HOW GAYS ARE ILLEGAL
[8:40:46 PM] stAAAAArk: i would not want to be that cip
[8:40:49 PM] sugar satan: in some states
[8:40:50 PM] stAAAAArk: *cop
[8:40:51 PM] sugar satan: places
[8:40:53 PM] stAAAAArk: yeah
[8:41:05 PM] stAAAAArk: "sir did you put it in the booty"
[8:41:08 PM] sugar satan: HE PUT IT IN THE BOOTY
[8:41:17 PM] stAAAAArk: I CANT BREATHE
[8:41:34 PM] sugar satan: [8:38 PM] sugar satan:
<<< HES SO CUTE EVEN WHEN HE S GETTING FUKED IN THE BUTTNEVER 4GET
[8:41:44 PM] stAAAAArk: IM CRYING OMFG
[8:42:13 PM] feht: WAT
[8:42:19 PM] stAAAAArk: POOR CAR
[8:42:23 PM] stAAAAArk: GO READ BACK
[8:42:25 PM] sugar satan: HES SO CUTE EVEN WHEN HES GETTIGN FUKED IN THE BUTT THATS WAT
[8:42:32 PM] sugar satan: were talking about yarn
[8:42:33 PM] sugar satan: then sodomy

kill me this hurts 2 much
okay done laughs

“Dun dan-un-dan dun dun dun.” She giggled, staring at Erick rather impatiently. He gave her a smirk, tapped his chin and repeated the small melody. It was familiar one, one that his friend, Jessie, enjoying humming when they went walking for any period of time. It was a simple game they played, where you where to name the melody. It hadn’t started off as a game of course, just a way of him naming what he wanted her to sing. He had always thought she had a nice voice and she loved to sing the simple tunes he would ask her to. Once he had remember the tunes, she had started humming parts of them for him to guess.

“My Fair Lady.” He chuckled, watching as she clapped her hands and a large smile crossed her face. Taking his hand, she swung it up and down as she sang verse after verse. Mostly everyone would get annoyed with it and tell her to stop, but he didn’t want to hurt her feelings. The repetitiveness of the song soothed him in a way, so he never minded when she sang it. He ended up humming along, tilting his head up to watch the sun began its slow descent.
By the time the sun hung low in the sky, they had reached their destination on top of a hill. Jessie loved to watch the sun set, going on and on about all the pretty colors in the sky. Erick knew she normally couldn’t find anybody willing to go with her, other than her friend Kota, who wasn’t allowed out past dusk. He always tried to make time for it, even if it meant skipping out on some things. It was worth it to listen to her ramble for a little while. They both sat, getting comfortable as they watched the sun sink below the horizon.

“That’s such a pretty orange! Oh, oh, and look at the red, over there! Its looks almost pink, and then like a super light purple, right there! Do you see it??” She shook Erick’s arm excitedly, pointing out the colors she was seeing. Colors were always so pretty, even the dark ones like black and gray. She loved colors, almost as much as apples. She beamed when Erick nodded along, pointing out a super pretty cream color from some of the clouds that went into the orange part of the sky. She was almost sad when the sun disappeared complete, missing the mix of colors that painted the sky right around the evening time. Not really sad though, since soon the moon and all the shiny stars would be out. That made her happy.

Hurried footsteps distracted her, her head tilting as she tried to find the source of the noise. She turned, feeling Erick stiffen beside her and his odd way of starting to stand but still sitting. Her heart was sent into a flurry, trying to crash through her chest as she hid behind Erick. Standing tall and in a jolly mood, Jack started down at them with an unsettling grin. His skin was pale and pasty, resembling that of a puppets with his hair in a mess around his head. It was dark purple this time, highlights of white barely visible in the fading light. Covered by an old and battered top hat, it contrasted his dark gray eyes. A tattered, old and ripped leather jacket covered his shoulders, hiding an off white dress shirt. Black slacks were held up by an old belt, leather dress shoes covering his feet. A quiet whimper left her, her hands tightening around Erick’s arm. A change had come over him, something she was used to but hoped wouldn’t happen each time he showed up.

She was scared. Erick was standing and happily greeting Jack, dragging her along even though he knew she didn’t want to. Standing halfway behind him, she tried to ignore the hungry looks Jack was giving her. He never looked at her like a person, more like she was that sweet part of the buck that you had to cut out carefully or it wouldn’t taste as good. She hated it, the way it made her chest squeeze and her heart pound in her ears. She stared at the ground the entire time, fiddling with her thumbs and not listening to anything they said until she felt Erick’s sudden shift in emotions. He was angry. She could tell by the way he got stiff, his fist clenching and his voice taking on an annoyed tone. That really scared her.

“Petty petty,” Jack snorted, teasing Erick. He didn’t understand why the boy thought he was so important when all he wanted was the girl. Granted, he was easy to manipulate, but so were most humans. Promise them something they wanted and they were putty in your hands, willing to give up their very soul. What made Erick easier to deal with was the fact he wanted something he could never have. All he wanted was his dead little sister back, and he was willing to give up his soul and the girl’s. He laughed at the look he received, pushing past him and grabbing onto the girl’s arm. She shrank away from his, trying to tug her arm from his grip. He relished in the hit of her, her fear pushing him up another notch. What Erick couldn’t understand was this girl was good, generally and wholefully in her soul. She had never been bad for the sake of being bad, and always felt guilty when she had shown to do something wrong. People like this were few and far between, and for a demon like him they were perfect little power sources.

The problem was one could never convince someone like her to join up with him. He needed another source, someone to get the girl to do what he wanted. And that was were Erick came in. Erick could convince her that helping him was the right thing to do, no matter how badly she didn’t want to. Jessie wanted to make Erick happy, even if it meant doing something she didn’t like. She still drew lines, which was something he hated. It put restrictions on him, forcing him to find loop holes to jump through. He was hoping that soon he would be able to break her down so that she would be his for the using, then he could dump the stupid boy right along with his sister.

Leaving Erick by his lonesome, he pulled the girl along, moving with fast paced steps. There was some people he wanted her to meet, people he hoped would help push her along to obeying him without question. Not to mention, he was pickled pink about watching how they treated her. He didn’t have much leeway with the girl when Erick was around, but he was away and wouldn’t bother them. They’d have plenty of fun together and he’d make sure she’d keep quiet about the whole incident. He hated when she ruined their fun by blabbing to somebody else, especially that pesky cousin of hers. The last time she had he hadn’t let her out of his sight for a whole week.

Jack lead her into the city, pass all the street lights and seedy bars, through the windy roads and sparse trees back down by a quiet little inn, secluded in an alleyway that was much harder to find. Tension oozed out of Jessie and it was obvious she would much rather be anywhere else then here. Jack shoved her inside and closed the door behind him, grinning at his cohorts who were seated around a wooden table. They looked up at him, their eyes shifting to the trembling girl beside him. Oh, tonight would be fun, they all thought, giving the girl the same hungry looks Jack gave her. This had her almost in tears, wanting nothing more than to go back home and pretend none of this happened.

The first boy’s name was Keiran, and he made no attempt to be nice to the girl. He was the size of a child, with crazy dark blue hair and light gray skin. Two dark gray horns protruded from his head, tearing two holes in the hood of his cloak. A long bony tail trailed behind him, settling on the girl’s shoulder as he stepped behind her. “Sit, stay a while.” He cackled as he pressed her down into a chair, his tail dropping to her knee as he sat beside her on the floor, playing with her tail. She sat stiffly, trying her hardest to keep the tears from rolling down her cheeks. All she wanted was for him to leave her alone, and there he was yanking on her tail every so often.

A girl was next, the size of a 20-something year old. She swayed around her, giving her a look of contempt and disgust. She thought she was a cute little thing, but she wasn’t allowed to be cuter then her. She watched her brother have his fun before walking up behind her and placing a hand on her head. “Such a cute, soft little thing.” She announced, her tone far from friendly. She placed her elbow on her shoulder, leaning on her as she pet her. Her name was Yakunan, and she had the same messy hair as Keiran. Her hair reached far past her waist, a few inches from touching floor. Short, puffy sleeves covered her shoulders and a small puff of cloth covered her stomach. A short puffy skirt with a tattered hem hide the bottom half of her body, long stockings connected to a garter hiding her legs away. She didn’t wear shoes. She hated shoes. A long stringy tail floated around, a heart shaped spade on the end of it. She has large bat wings folded out of site, only seen when she was flying. Yakunan scoffed as the girl sniffled, thinking the girl was lucky she was even touching her.

Carson was the nicest and oldest of the three, looking more human than the others. His hair reached long on the left side of his head, the rest not making it past his chin. He wore a black fedora to hide his small horns that popped out of the top of his head, his tail resembling a small nub of bone. His skin was more yellowed than a normal peach colors, and he wore a white dress shirt covered by a black vest, a bright stripped green tie tucked neatly between the two. He wore a simple pair of blue jeans with a pair of converse boots. He could see the fear from the girl when he walked over, and he brushed his siblings away and knelled in front of her. Taking her hand, he placed a kiss on the top of her palm and smiled. “Pleasure to make your acquaintance.” That seemed to calm her down, and she reached up to swipe away the tear that had slipped from her eye. It was nice when they were this easy to deceive, he thought as he helped her up from the chair.

He wasn’t expecting the shove, reacting quickly and pinning the girl’s arm behind her back. He let go immediately, not wanting to hurt her just yet. He chuckled as she barreled out of the inn, gathering his siblings and following after her at a slow pace. It would be a long time before she was able to get rid of them, and he’d take his time with her. He knew how his siblings liked to play with their toys, and he didn’t want to wear this one out to quickly.

She ran and ran until she couldn’t run any more, somehow reaching her house. The sun had set so long ago, the moon high in the sky now. Tears hit the ground as she made her way into her room, exhausted from the night’s events. She couldn’t bring herself to try and make sense of the scary people Jack had forced her to meet, and she wanted nothing more than to curl up and sleep forever. She fell onto her bed, half heartily trying to get under the covers. Keiran face close to hers cause her to scream, scrambling off the side of the bed and into Carson’s arms. She cried out again, jerking away from him and under the bed in an attempt to get away. She trembled under there for little more than a few seconds, pulled out by her leg by Yakunan. Her heart was ready to explode, unable to deal with all these new intrusions. Carson knelled down and helped her back into her bed, shooing away Keiran as he got her to relax. He could tell the events of today had become too much because she silently let him usher her under her sheets. She curled up in a tight ball, attempting to hide from the three. He began telling her a story, something to calm her down enough to sleep so he could pick through her head for a while.

Jason watched the strange events that played in his cousin’s room once she finally returned. She got into her bed and for some unknown reason, screamed and jerked from one stop to another until she settled down and mechanically got back into her bed. He considered going in and asking her what was wrong, but at the sight of her hidden under the blankets he assumed she had just had a bad dream. He’d asked her about it in the morning just to be sure, of course. He never wanted anything bad to happen to her.

Walked out to the kitchen to get a drink
Started thinking
Started thinking in first person from a different person's life point of view
Got an entire monologue out of it
Had to type it up
Here it is
Jessie, you gonna need some tissues
But, please feel free to share, lol


    I remember when we first met.  You would not talk to me at all.  I normally have no patience for such things but, for some reason, I made an exception.  Perhaps it was because you were so young or maybe I was trying to fix myself.  We had both just lost everything, friends, family, our homes, everything we knew and were thrust into the company of a stranger.  

    You stayed with me out of self preservation but, you would not come near me.  You always stayed out of arms reach and barely ever showed your face.  I often found you hiding under one of the cots or behind the couch.  That was alright though,  I knew you would need time to adjust.  I would need time to adjust.

    As time past, we grew closer in so many ways.  You seldom hid anymore.  You eagerly waited my return home from work.  We went for walks together.  We shared food.  We played games.  We were family.  Your favorite game was hide and seek.  You were really good at it too.  Perhaps I had taught you too well how to sneak around.  You had fun though and were happy.  That is all that mattered to me.

    At night, you would wake me up with your eyes full of tears.  You would tell me that you had a bad dream and that you were scared.  I would pick you up and set you next to me, only to have you crawl into my lap and hug the life out of me.  I would calm you and tell you it was alright and your tears would dry and you would smile at me.  I almost always ended up sharing my cot with you on those nights but, it helped you to sleep so, I allowed it.

    Other nights, I would be the one who woke up with bad dreams.  I would wake up yelling or crying,  just like you.  On those nights, you were my security and safety.  The yelling is what woke you up.  You would crawl up into my cot and nag me.  You wanted to know what my bad dreams were about.  You would almost always drag it out of me.  I would tell you until I was crying.  My troubles were too much for someone so young to understand but, you would comfort me the best you could.  You would tell me that it was alright to cry and be sad.  Everyone cried sometimes and everyone was sad sometimes.

    For someone who was only nine, those were some unexpected but, wise words.  You would continue on that your father always told you that when you had a bad day.  You would tell me, even though he was gone, he would want me to know that too.  I would listen to you talk.  It seemed to make you happy.  Sometime cared about what you were saying.  I always cared.  I always clung to every word.   We do not have much but, we have each other.  I am your friend.  I love you.  You would always remind me.  It came to be that I could repeat your words line for line on those sleepless nights and you mine.  I ended up sharing my cot on those nights too.

    When you said you were my friend, I did not know what to think.  A nine year old would make friends with anyone possible.  I came to learn, overtime, that you were more than my friend.  You just never knew how to put it into words.  You were my family.  You showed me so much kindness in our time together.  Do not think I will ever forget it.  Every picture you drew me, every word you said, every smile and hug you gave, they all meant so much.  They all mean so much.

    I know we have been separated since then by horrible circumstances but, do not think I have forgotten you.  Do not think I hate you.  You were my only family for such a long time.  I could never forget that.  I could never hate that.  I do not know where you are now or if you even are anymore but, I am still searching.  I hope you miss me as much as I miss you.  One day we will see each other again.  I know we will but, until that day, do not give up hope, my Child...

NOT EVEN SORRY, JESSIE. xD

There was a loud crash that rang through the house and a shrill cry of terror. A girl scrambled through the large hole left in the wall by a chair that had been thrown. She curled up on the opposite side of the wall and hugged her knees as tears filled her eyes. She heard the footsteps of her father and curled up tighter. Her wings were tattered and she was bruised from head to toe in various places. She couldn't wait for her brother to get home and save her. Until then, she had to survive on her own.

"ELAINE!" Her father snapped at her, "Get out here now!"

Her eyes widened and she scooted back to the closest corner she could. Why did he do this to her? Elaine never did anything wrong. She was quiet a lot of the time. The poor girl only ever spoke to her brother. Her father shouted for her again and Elaine hid behind her wings. She was terrified. She waited to be grabbed by the arm like she always was.

The top of her arm had a hand shaped bruise that never went away. Years of abuse had left it there. Ever since their mother had died, their father had been abusive of her and her brother. She wiped at her arms. Elaine wanted the bruises and hurt to go away. A few more minutes passed without and noise and she peaked out of the hole that marred the wall.

Her brother had gotten home just in time. Elaine scrambled through the house and to the back door keeping as quiet as she could. She snuck out back and sat on the porch. It was cold and she could see her breath. Anything was better than being inside. She hugged her knees and rested her chin on them. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Outside was quiet and soothing.

There was shouting from inside and Elaine covered her ears. She didn't want to hear any more of it. Yelling. That's all there ever was. All their father did was shout and hit. The house quieted down again and Elaine relaxed a little bit. The back door cracked open and Elaine flinched.

Her brother frowned at her and knelt down, "It is alright. It is just me..."

Elaine looked at him and teared up, "I-Ira..."

Ira nodded and hugged her, "Mhmm.. Ira..." He sighed, "Are you alright?"

"I think so..." Elaine hugged him back and frowned, "But, your nose.."

He smiled at his sister, "I am fine. We should get you fixed up though."

Elaine nodded and leaned against him, "I want to go see Geraldi."

"We can go see him then," Ira put a hand on her head, "I am sorry that I did not get home sooner, Elaine."

"You cannot help it..." She smiled at Ira, "You always come home to make it better." She stood up and winced. Her brother stood to help her with a sigh. He hated seeing his sister like this. Ira picked her up and climbed down off the landing. He knew that Elaine was exhausted from the ordeal earlier and would probably fall asleep on the way.

Elaine dozed off after only a few minutes of Ira carrying her. Ira was a year younger than her but, neither of them took the age difference into account. They were just brother and sister. They only had each other to depend on.

Hours of walking passed and Ira approached a small shack. Elaine was still asleep when Ira knocked on the door and walked inside. The pair found themselves there quite often and did not bother to wait for the old medic to answer the door anymore. Ira laid his sister down on a cot in the main room and sat on the floor to wait.

The room they sat in looked like it was used for living but, doubled as an area to treat patients. There was a cabinet filled with different medicines and equipment, and a cot but, also an end table and a chair. Ira let himself relax in the familiar surroundings and exhaled quietly. Their father didn't know about this place. He could never find them there.

One of the doors to the room creaked open and an older man walked in. He looked at the two kids with a frown on his face and turned to walk back into the room he had just come from, "Just a minute, Ira." He returned a few minutes later with a few bags of ice and walked over to the cot. He gently shook the sleeping girl, "Elaine."

Elaine yelped and pulled back in surprise and pain. He had accidentally grabbed one of the bruises on her arm. She was shaking but, tried to regain her composure, "H-Hello, Geraldi."
He offered the girl a smile and handed her an ice pack.

Elaine smiled a little and pressed the ice onto her arm, "Thank you."

"No need," Geraldi stated as he pressed some of the ice to her cheek, "It is my job."

The girl nodded and rested her head on his shoulder, "I know but..." She sniffled.

He hugged an arm around the girl, "I know. You do not have to say it."

Elaine nodded and hugged him back. She couldn't help but cry. It hurt so much. She didn't know what to do other than cry. She missed her mother so much and she just wanted her back. Ira was dear to her but, no one could ever replace their mother.

Her brother frowned and sat on the cot with her. He knew he could never fix everything. The years of damage. The pain. He tried though. He tried as hard as he could. Ira laid a gentle hand on Elaine's shoulder and sighed. For everything she had been through, she was still such a trusting person. She was still such a hopeful person.

Elaine wiped the tears from her eyes and looked over at Ira. He always looked upset when she cried. She smiled at him and handed Ira the ice pack from her arm, "It is alright."

Ira nodded and took the ice pack, "It is." He looked over at Geraldi, "Do you have any more of that pain medication? and ice?"

Geraldi stood up and walked over to the cabinet, "I should and there is more ice in the freezer. You two are more than welcome to what you need."

"Thank you.." Ira pressed the ice pack to his head and looked at Elaine. She had relaxed some and calmed down. Ira smiled to himself and leaned back against the wall, closing his eyes. As long as Elaine was safe and happy, Ira was content.

Elaine stood and walked over to see what Geraldi was doing. He was always nice to her even if he was having a bad day. She watched as he mixed some different liquids and herbs together. It was different from what she saw most of the time. Most people like him bought their medicine but, he made his own.

The man glanced down at her, "Do you need something?"

Elaine shook her head, "I just like to watch.."

"Well, this here is for you and Ira." He handed her a bottle, "It will help with the pain and swelling."

Elaine smiled and took the bottle, examining it, "You are the best."

Geraldi chuckled and shook his head, "No, Elaine. You are."

The girl frowned and sniffled, "I-I am n-not... My f-father does n-not even love m-me.."

"That might be true but," Geraldi knelt down, "you always manage to make someone's day better and you always smile. That makes you the best person I have ever known. Not everyone can do that."

She lightened up, "Do you really think that?"

Geraldi nodded, "I really do think that."

The girl hugged him tightly, "Are you sure?..."

Geraldi picked up Elaine, "I am positive." He smiled, "One day, you will have a wonderful life. Someone like you deserves it."

Elaine smiled a little and nodded, "Alright.."

He smiled and set the girl back down, "Now you go and take good care of your brother. He needs it."

Elaine nodded, "I promise to!"

She walked back over to her brother and handed him the bottle before sitting next to him on the cot. Ira smiled at her and gave her a hug. The blood from his nose had finally begun to dry but, the swelling around his eye hadn't gone down at all. Elaine frowned and pressed the ice to his face. She was always concerned for her brother but, he worried about her far more than he worried about himself.

Ira sighed and closed his eyes. The shack was always quiet when they visited. It made him feel relaxed. The two of them could be away from all the yelling, even if it was only for the night. Ira glanced over at Elaine as her hand slowly slid from his face. She had fallen asleep. The boy smiled at his sister and laid her down on the cot. Elaine needed the sleep. Ira knew that.

She didn't rest well for fear of being woken in the middle of the night but, in the old shack, all that fear was gone. Geraldi was always kind to the two of them. He offered them a place to sleep and food. The pair was allowed to have whatever they needed from him. Ira covered Elaine with his jacket and sighed once more. Stress caused him to feel sick a lot of the time but, he never wanted Elaine to worry about that.

Ira looked over at the medic who was still standing at the cabinet, "Geraldi?"

The man looked back over his shoulder, "Yes?"

"I just wanted to say thank you..." Ira smiled a little, "You are always nice to my sister."

Geraldi shook his head, "I just do what is right."

The boy sighed, "Not everyone can do that it seems..."

"You are right, not everyone can but," the man turned around to look at the boy, "it is up to those of us who can to do it."

"I know.." Ira nodded, "She is always so miserable though. I mean, just look at her."

"She still smiles," Geraldi chuckled, "She is going to be a great help to someone who needs it some day."

He smiled, "I suppose you are right..." Ira laid at the other end of the cot and exhaled.

"Get yourself some sleep," the medic turned back to his work, "You deserve it.."

"She deserves it more than I do," Ira yawned.

Geraldi shook his head, "You both need it and are welcome to my home for as much time as is needed."

The boy yawned again with a nod, "Thank you..."

He dozed off after that. The feelings of safety and relaxation allowing him to rest peacefully. It wasn't much but, it was quiet. The siblings seldom knew of quiet. It always came when they needed it though, in one for or another. Sometimes, it was a tent, other times it was an inn but, that night, it was the familiar and comfortable shack of a kind, old friend. The night would pass without a disturbance and wounds wounds would heal. The peace may have only been there for a night but, it was all they needed. The two just needed a safe place to rest without fear or worry and, they had found it.

Tap, tap, tap, tap, tap. The young man's foot nervously thumped against the hard wood floor of the kitchen. He could not go through with this. Could he? He took a nervous, shaking breath and muttered to himself as he mulled over the words. It sounded so stupid to him. He never shared his feelings. He could not do it now.

"Pull yourself together, Araris," he mumbled, "You have done more nerve racking things than this." He sighed. What would she think of him for asking? He probably sounded like an idiot. The kitchen door swung open and the young man held his breath. Did she come to see him so soon? He glanced over at the door and relaxed. It was only his older brother.

"Are you going to ask her?" His brother rose an eyebrow.

Araris snorted, "Shut it, Michael."

"It was only a question."

"I am having enough trouble without you goading me."

Michael chuckled and leaned against the wall, crossing his arms, "You really are nervous, are you not? I have not seen you nervous in a long time."

"I am fine, Michael! Now, get out!" The young man snapped.

His brother stepped towards the door, "Fine, fine... She is in the living room if you ever decide to talk to her again." He walked out of the room leaving Araris alone again.

His stomach turned and threatened to leave its contents on the floor. He was more than nervous. The young man rested his head on the table and closed his eyes. He had to ask eventually.

CLIFF HANGER

Tap, tap, tap, tap, tap. The young man's foot nervously thumped against the hard wood floor of the kitchen. He could not go through with this. Could he? He took a nervous, shaking breath and muttered to himself as he mulled over the words. It sounded so stupid to him. He never shared his feelings. He could not do it now.

"Pull yourself together, Araris," he mumbled, "You have done more nerve racking things than this." He sighed. What would she think of him for asking? He probably sounded like an idiot. The kitchen door swung open and the young man held his breath. Did she come to see him so soon? He glanced over at the door and relaxed. It was only his older brother.

"Are you going to ask her?" His brother rose an eyebrow.

Araris snorted, "Shut it, Michael."

"It was only a question."

"I am having enough trouble without you goading me."

Michael chuckled and leaned against the wall, crossing his arms, "You really are nervous, are you not? I have not seen you nervous in a long time."

"I am fine, Michael! Now, get out!" The young man snapped.

His brother stepped towards the door, "Fine, fine... She is in the living room if you ever decide to talk to her again." He walked out of the room leaving Araris alone.

His stomach turned and threatened to leave its contents on the floor. He was more than nervous. The young man rested his head on the table and closed his eyes. He had to ask eventually. He had to ask, even if it was just to know the answer.

Araris glanced back at the doorway that lead to the living room. She was right through that doorway, sitting in the living room. It would take less than twenty steps for him to go and ask her. With a groan, he buried his face in his arms. It was just the anticipation of it. He knew that. He knew that but, he was still nervous.

Tap, tap, tap, tap, tap. He had started nervously twitching his leg again. Araris never felt this way. He was not an emotionally devoid person but, they never got the better of him like this. Why were they now? He swallowed and sat himself back up. His hands were shaking now.

The young man took a few slow, deep breaths to try and steady his shaking hands at least. The controlled breathing helped and his hands stopped their tremoring, though his stomach still churned uncontrollably.

He placed his hands on the table to push himself up when he felt a hand rest on his shoulder. It could not have been his father or his brother. The hand was far too gentle and slender to be either of them. He looked back over his shoulder and was met with a smile. It was her. She was always so kind to him. Even when others would not dare go near him, she was right there to help him. No one else had ever been that kind to him. His father and brother tried but, Araris was normally emotionally closed off and that made it very difficult.

He quickly looked away from her. His hands started shaking again. His mouth went dry. He was not ready for this yet. He needed more time. What was he suppose to do? She was waiting for him to say something.

A look of concern crossed her face when he looked a way and did not say anything. Araris had always been quiet, she had known that and accepted it but, he was not acting like himself at all. The young woman gave his shoulder a reassuring squeeze and rested her head against his. She did not know what was wrong but, she could still try and fix it. She always tried to fix it.

"E-Elaine..." Araris did not look at her but, at least he had said something.

She gave him a reassuring hug, "It is alright, Big Guy, no matter what it is."

Any doubt he may have had vanished for a moment and was replaced with confusion. No one had ever called him anything other than his name other than his brother. He had always just been Araris. He turned back to Elaine with an eyebrow raised and she giggled at him. The scowl he normally wore deepened at the reaction but, she smiled at him.

"Did I say something wrong?" She asked and tilted her head to the side curiously.

The young man shook his head.

"You are sure?" She frowned, "I did not mean to upset you or anything..."

He nodded and looked away again. His stomach had knotted up and he felt ill. He tried to calm himself. Araris would never upset Elaine on purpose.

She squeezed one of his hands and kissed his cheek, "When you are ready to talk, you come and see me, okay?"

He nodded once more and it was only after she had left the room that he stood up and slid down the wall so that he was sitting on the floor. Araris let his chin drop against his chest and he swallowed hard. His nerves were shot. He quickly grabbed the waste basket and leaned over it. His stomach had finally given out. It made him feel a little better but, he was still nauseous. Araris stood and walked to the sink, turning on the faucet and getting a drink. Why was this so difficult?

The young man sat back down on the floor and hugged his knees to his chest. He wanted to ask her so badly but, he was too nervous to say anything to her. There was hushed talking coming from the living room and he stood up when he heard it. He walked over to the doorway and peaked out into the living room. The two people were out of his line of sight but, he could still hear the two of them talking. He sat next to the doorway, back to the wall, and listened.

Elaine sounded concerned as she spoke, "Is your brother alright?..."

"Little Brother is fine," Michael chuckled, "He just has himself nervous."

"Nervous over what?"

"It would be best if you asked him," he paused for a moment, "It is not really my place to say."

"That is understandable."

"Just... Do not push him to answer, please. He is having a hard time with it."

"I know how he works. I will be alright, Michael."

"I believe you. I just wanted to be sure no one would go flying across the kitchen."

Elaine chuckled, "He is a sweetheart. He would never."

Michael laughed, "Maybe to you."

There were footsteps heading towards the kitchen now. Araris stood himself up and brushed his clothes off. She was going to ask. He was going to have to tell her. Araris took a deep breath and exhaled through his nose. He had managed to keep his hands from shaking again though, his heart felt like it was going to burst through his chest at any moment. He closed his eyes and tried to center himself. He had to do this. When he opened his eyes again, she was standing in front of him.

He looked down at her and quickly looked away. He could not do this. Elaine frowned at him and took one of his hands. Why was he acting so strange? She gave his hand a reassuring squeeze and waited patiently for him to gather his frayed nerves. The young man took a deep breath and looked down at Elaine. She gave him a familiar, loving smile and softened her expression.

Araris slid down the wall and squeezed her hand back, "Elaine, I.." He choked up and fell silent.

"You?" She looked genuinely curious as to what the rest of his sentence might have been.

He took a deep breath and closed his eyes. He had to relax.

Elaine placed a hand on his head and smiled, "Out with it then. It will make you feel better, Dear."

Araris nodded and took another slow breath before he spoke, "Elaine, will you marry me?"
"Of course I will," she hugged him tightly and kissed his cheek, "I would be more than happy to."

A look of disbelief crossed his face, "A-are you sure?"

She giggled, "Of course I am. I love you."

He smiled a little and nodded. His hands were still shaking but, at least he was no longer nauseous.

Elaine smiled back at him, "Feel better now?"

The young man nodded again but, still could not find the nerve to say anything. He could not even believe he had said as much as he had.

"I suppose we should go tell the other two then?"

He shook his head and was quiet for a moment, "... We can just sit here for now."

"If that is what you want to do, we can." She sat next to him on the floor.

Araris lifted her into his lap and hugged her tightly. It was nice to just have someone nearby. The tremors in his hands had finally subsided and his heartbeat returned to normal. He gave Elaine the best smile he could before setting her down in his lap. She chuckled and sat in his lap, facing him, and smiled. He rose an eyebrow at her and she giggled. He always seemed so emotionless and uptight.

She leaned up and kissed his cheek, "Come on. We should go for a walk." Elaine stood and held out her hands.

Araris nodded and stood up, lifting her onto one of his shoulders. He earned a laugh from the young lady as they walked out onto the back landing of the house. He hoped it would calm his nerves the rest of the way and, if nothing else, he did like going on walks with Elaine.

WHY AM I DOING THESE THINGS I NEED TO BE WORKING

 Pale light illuminated the crossroads, cold air nipping across the redden nose of the child trudging through the snow. Not a child really, but a person stuck between the stage of child and almost adult. Someone caught right in the middle, with a body as fragile as glass but a mind as sharp as steel. The heart and soul were another matter all together; those had yet to become a solid, defining matter. That would come later, after a journey no one remember taking, but everyone knew the road.

 Graveyards just before dawn were too cliché, so this in-between child hiked on a well beaten path with a specific destination in mind. The box clutched tightly between mittens had to be buried before sunrise, the only thing that carried this little one forward. A promise is a promise, one to be filled despite any consequence. Sneaking out at night wasn’t exactly new, but a hopeful mind believed there would be enough time to make it home before the statue that slept and walked around noticed anything was amiss.

 X marked the spot; quicken footsteps brought the child closer and closer to the goal of this almost morning. Producing a small trowel from the pocket of a thick sweater, the ground was attack with a fierce determination, no, a misery filled mind that needed to let go. Tears rolled into the hole into the ground, along with the wooden box wrapped in the most beautiful ribbon, one that has been carefully tied and then retied; it had to be perfect, exactly alike in every single way. Dirt and snow covered the box, feelings of relief washing over this soon to be grown-up.

 Then, with a turn that faced the sun, the perfect and complete world, the eternal bliss, was burnt to a crisp, slowly and almost painfully. A strange, enticing pain at the very least.

She stood, hips cocked and one hand perfectly placed upon her waist, a real shovel- not some childs toy- slung over her shoulder. Dressed in the strangest snow garb, quintessential in every aspect of this new found world that the child held. Dark black stockings covered by light tan shorts, a crew neck white tee carefully hidden under a half jacket that matched her shorts and a pair of black snow boots covered her body perfectly. She wore a cap, like those of train conductors, but even that couldn’t tame the wild mane of hair under it. It was a color that had never reached the star struck child, an amazing cherry red. For only a moment, their eyes met and it was like the box in the ground had never existed, never made a difference in the world of this in-between child.

It is dark in here.. [He chuckles.]. They really should invest in some lights or windows. Not that they would ever take the advice but, they should at least furnish the cooler. We are in here enough. A nice sky light, some drapes, a guest bedroom... [He looks over as a slot in the bottom of the door opens and a tray is shoved in.] I told you, no chow for me until I am allowed back in the mess hall with all the normal people. [He shoves the tray back out.] So inconsiderate... [He laughs.] I should know better than to expect anything more from a guard though. [He speaks up to be heard through the door.] At least one of you. [He kicks the wall across from him.] You bunch of low lives! I am only here because, I was protecting my brother. Enemy or not, what kind of people throw someone in a prison for that? He is probably dead and I am stuck in this little nine by nine cell. [He sighs.] The only crime I have ever committed was protecting my family... Is that really a crime? I am so sorry Little Brother.. I thought things would turn out for the better, I really did. [He starts to cry and covers his ears.] Do not yell at me! It was not my fault. Do you not think I would have saved him if I could? He was the only family I had left and now he is gone. I am on my own. [He pauses for a long moment.] I deserve to be alone. This is my punishment for not being able to protect my family. [He snaps.] Shut up. Shut up. Shut up! I never asked for you. I do not need your input on everything. You are no help. All you are is a reminder that I am not normal. I am unstable. I am a loon. As soon as I get out of here, they will just medicate me again and throw me in that cell. [He rests his head back against the wall and becomes quiet.] I have to get out of here though and find my brother. I need to know.

Smoke is a strange thing. It can be so thick that your eyes burn and your mouth waters, suffocating in a sea of gray to dark to see through. At the same time it can be thinner than air, pleasurable, slowly killing your lunges and quietly killing you. Smoke likes to be loud too, especially when it’s drifting away from a fire that was in the process of destroying a town, one that held precious memories and hard ships.
E: OKAY I LIED NOW IM SLEEPING

[princess name here] woke to screaming. She couldn’t put her finger on a time where she had said that before, but now it was real and terrifying. She leaped from the small mat she called a bed and tore through the door way, searching for what little family she had left. All around her things were a blaze, smoke filling the air and her lungs. Words in the back of her mind hit her like a speeding train. “Smoke is greedy. One it sucks up all the air on the bottom, it heads to the top.” Silently thanking him under her breath, she dropped to the ground and crawled towards what she thought was the front door. Seeing vague shadows, she slowed and tried to get a better glance. What if someone had set fire to her house, and they were still inside? She tried to gather the few fighting moves her friend had taught her and slowly eased toward the two somewhat familiar shadows. Realizing they were her parents, she let out a shout of joy and immediately started coughing. They both turned to her, and a loud cracking went through the house. Without thinking, she lunged at both of them and knocked them back against the wall, the falling beam hitting her ankle and snapping on impact.

It was a Monday and, as usual, the barber shop was dead. The only sound that could be heard was of a broom idly passing over the already clean floor. Most of their business was done on Friday or Saturday when people were getting ready to go out. Everyone was at work on Monday for the most part except for a few stragglers here and there.

The man sweeping stopped with a sigh and leaned against the wall. He was bored. The shop had already been cleaned numerous times in the few hours it was open. The floor was swept. The mirrors and windows were free of finger prints and streaks. The sinks had been scrubbed. Everything was clean.

He sighed again and sat down on the floor when the door opened with a ring. The man stood, expecting a customer but, his relaxed demeanor quickly changed to irritation, "You are late. Again."

The man who had just entered the shop rolled his eyes, "So much happens around here on Monday. I know. I know. Relax, Little Brother."

"When you start showing up on time, Michael, I can relax," his brother snorted.

Michael laughed, "Come on, Araris. Lighten up. This is suppose to be fun."

"How did you even talk me into this?.." He sighed, "There are better uses I can think of for a straight razor."

"Like what?" Michael laughed again, "Are you going to go rouge and run around killing people?"

Araris shrugged and was quiet. He never spoke much, not that it stopped his brother from holding a nearly one sided conversation with the reply seldom more than a shake of the head or a nod. The man sat back down in the corner and rose an eyebrow at his brother but, didn't say anything.

"What? I am just as bored as you," he retorted as he rearranged the letters on the sign.

"If I have to fix that sign again-"

"You are always so serious," Michael chuckled, "Let me have my fun."

"Fun does not pay the bills, Michael." Araris folded his arms behind his head and he closed his eyes.

"Neither does sleeping on the job, you know."

Araris snorted.

Michael rolled his eyes and stuck the sign back up in its rightful place in the window. It was a nice day. Hopefully someone would come by, even if it was just one of the regulars saying hello. Anything to help liven up the day would be better.

WILL FINISH AFTER I GET HOME.

Traits
-Shaped (Uncommon)
-Shark (Common)
-Alcohol (Uncommon)
-Tri-Horn (Rare) (either small big small or big small big)

Theme
Punk rock
Girl
Shark-Like
Crazy hair
Big ear fins
Scars???

Drinks
Cotton Candy Vodka- cutesy,  pastel goth, poofy dresses and cute jumpers
Brightly colored hair

Candy Corn Beer- witchy dresses and maybe a hat, broomstick + cat buddy, white/platinum blonde hair with streaks

Salted Caramel Ice Cream cake shots

Cranberry Vodka Cocktail

Red White and Blue Daiquiri

Cake Batter Martini

It was a Monday and, as usual, the barber shop was dead. The only sound that could be heard was of a broom idly passing over the already clean floor. Most of their business was done on Friday or Saturday when people were getting ready to go out. Everyone was at work on Monday for the most part except for a few stragglers here and there.

The man sweeping stopped with a sigh and leaned against the wall. He was bored. The shop had already been cleaned numerous times in the few hours it was open. The floor was swept. The mirrors and windows were free of finger prints and streaks. The sinks had been scrubbed. Everything was clean.

He sighed again and sat down on the floor when the door opened with a ring. The man stood, expecting a customer but, his relaxed demeanor quickly changed to irritation, "You are late. Again."

The man who had just entered the shop rolled his eyes, "So much happens around here on Monday. I know. I know. Relax, Little Brother."

"When you start showing up on time, Michael, I can relax," his brother snorted.

Michael laughed, "Come on, Araris. Lighten up. This is suppose to be fun."

"How did you even talk me into this?.." He sighed, "There are better uses I can think of for a straight razor."

"Like what?" Michael laughed again, "Are you going to go rouge and run around killing people?"

Araris shrugged and was quiet. He never spoke much, not that it stopped his brother from holding a nearly one sided conversation with the reply seldom more than a shake of the head or a nod. The man sat back down in the corner and rose an eyebrow at his brother but, didn't say anything.

"What? I am just as bored as you," he retorted as he rearranged the letters on the sign.
"If I have to fix that sign again-"

"You are always so serious," Michael chuckled, "Let me have my fun."

"Fun does not pay the bills, Michael." Araris folded his arms behind his head and he closed his eyes.

"Neither does sleeping on the job, you know."

Araris snorted.

Michael rolled his eyes and stuck the sign back up in its rightful place in the window. It was a nice day. Hopefully someone would come by, even if it was just one of the regulars saying hello. Anything to help liven up the day would be better.

The door chimed once more as it open and Araris sighed. Michael had been late to work. He could get the first one. It was the same as always. Just a haircut. Life was rather drab sometimes. The younger of the two let out a sigh as the bell rang once more, signaling the exit of the only customer they had, had that day.

The floor was swept once more and the shop remained quiet. Michael leaned against the wall and yawned, "I am going to get some lunch. Do you want anything?"

His brother shook his head, "For you to actually do your job for once."
"I swept up," Michael chuckled, "I will not be gone long, alright?"

Araris nodded and looked at the ceiling but, was silent.

Michael left with the ring of the bell and his brother was alone once again. Araris didn't really mind it. Except for the fact that he had to do everything himself then. His brother was usually late or slacking off. It was nothing new but, it was still irritating sometimes. He exhaled and closed his eyes when the door creaked open. It wasn't someone swinging open the door, it was more like someone was just peaking inside to get a better look around. The man sitting on the floor opened one eye and quickly stood up.

The young woman standing in the doorway smiled and laughed, "I did not mean to bother you at all.."

Araris shook his head, "No, what is it you need, Elaine? It is no trouble."

She smiled, "Are you sure? ... I can go."

"It is fine."

"I just wanted to come and make an appointment."

"If you have the time now. We are not busy.."

"That would be great," Elaine let the door close behind her.

He flashed a quick smile, "Have a seat then."

Elaine smiled and sat in the chair, "Thank you."

"Just my job," he grabbed an apron off the wall, "Why do you always stop by when my brother leaves though?"

"I know he picks on you for talking to me." She smiled, "Maybe I just like spending time with you."

"I highly doubt that.." He glanced over at the door as it opened again and his brother walked inside with some bags.

Michael chuckled, "Flirting with your friend again?"

Araris snorted, "I am working, thank you, Michael."

The young lady sitting in the chair giggled, "Do you always pick on your brother?"

"I do. It is my job," the older one laughed.

The other sibling remained silent. It was bad enough he had to listen to it. He did not need to exacerbate the situation at all. He let out a sigh and shot a glare at his brother who just laughed at him. They always seemed to be at each other's throats but, in reality, the two got along really well.

Araris pulled the apron away and lowered the chair, "Alright?"

Elaine smiled, "It looks great. How much do I owe you?"

He just shook his head at the question and his brother snickered. The young lady shook her head at the two and headed towards the door, "I really should pay you though."

Araris shook his head again, "Do not worry about it."

"I insist though.." She walked back over and climbed up on the chair so she was closer to his height.

He rose an eyebrow at her and tilted his head a little to the side.

Elaine smiled and kissed him on the cheek, "Thank you."

Araris gave her a rather baffled look but, it quickly turned to a scowl when Michael gave a cat call. He chuckled at Araris as Elaine walked out of the shop, "Come again!"

Michael smiled, "You like her."

Araris snorted and grabbed the broom that was leaning in the corner, "Do not be ridiculous, Michael."

"What makes it so far fetched, Little Brother? She seems to like you."

"I have more important things to worry about than that."

"Like what? We keep up on the bills and have plenty of money left over for ourselves. There is not much to worry about."

"Except keeping this place open, and making sure you come into work and ordering supplies..."

Michael chuckled, "You just do not want to admit it."

His brother tripped him with the broom and snorted, "Shut up."

He laughed and stood up, "Fine, fine... You good to clean up and close."

Araris stuffed the broom in Michael's hands, "You are closing. I am going to go home and sleep."

The older sibling chuckled, "Fine. Go then. I will catch up to you."

Araris nodded as he headed out the door, flipping the open sign to closed as he headed out, "You better not be late."

Winter had come and cleansed the land of blood and war. The crimson stained grass had been covered by freshly fallen snow, hiding the dark secrets of the land. A lone set of footprints could be seen in the snow, tainting it with dirt but, the elements would slowly cover them as well and leave nothing but purity.

A single figure could be seen in the distance. His black clothing contrasting with the whiteness of winter. His nounty had been long and he was tired but, the man pressed on. He had something important to take care of and no element would stop him from reaching his goal.

The winds began to pick up once more and he pulled his coat around him as the snow tore at the air. It was a violent storm but, it was not going to stop him. The man pulled a tattered wing around him to help shield his face and pressed onward. He had weathered worse affairs than this. He had been through war. He had seen his family and friends lost. A little bit of snow was nothing compared to that.

A chill racked his tired body and he clutched the small box he carried tighter. He could not lose his cargo. It was important to his mission. It had to reach its destination. Another tremor, more violent than the last, brought the exhausted man to his knees. He crossed his arms over the box and shivered. He had come so far only to fail again. Tears fell from his eyes but, did not make it far before freezing to his face. A ragged breath filled the air with mist before he sat down. The man accepted that he was going to die cold and alone.

Time past and the snow grew deeper. When he had first sat, the snow only coveted the tops if his knees. It had come to rest at his waist now and continued to fall from the sky. Hypothermia had set in long ago and the shivering had stopped. The man looked around the best he could in his weakened state. It was a clumsy motion. He was too tired and one of his eyes had frozen shut from crying. A small thump sounded as he slumped forward and allowed his chin to hit his chest.

The man could feel himself slipping. Death would take him soon. His consciousness had started to fade when he felt a warm hand on his shoulder. He slowly lifted his head to see who the hand belonged to but, his vision was blurred and it made it impossible to tell. They seemed to be talking to him. All the man heard was mumbling. The hypothermia had taken a harsh toll on him.

He tried to push himself up and his protector helped him to his feet. Whomever it was must have followed him. There was no way his footprints were still there for a person to track him. The man stumbled and collapsed against his guide. He could go no further. A large, dry blanket was draped over his shoulders and he was lifted off his feet. He struggled but, the warmth of the blanket slowly took him and he drifted off into sleep.

When the man woke, the feeling in his limbs had come back and the ice had melted from his face. He groaned and slowly pushed himself up. His muscles protested but, he forced himself to sit up so he could look around the surrounding area.

It was a familiar, welcoming place. He closed his eyes for a moment and allowed the warmth of the fire at the center to wash over him. The building in question was a large, marble dome. The fire in the center was surrounded by a fresh, clear pool of water and plants of all sorts. The man scooted closer to the center and cupped his hands down into the water, taking a long drink. It was cool and refreshing but, not cold. It almost felt warm in his chilled hands.

He glanced around the dome once more and sat back. It was adorned with tapestries and other pieces of art. There were statues, paintings and other, small, handmade gifts. The doors to the dome were decorated with a landscape carving and golden leaf. It was a beautiful place. It was a safe place.

The man's thoughts snapped back to his goal and he scrambled to find the small box he had been protecting. The package had been damaged slightly but, it had survived the trip. It was nicked in a few places and damp but, it was intact. He let out a sigh of relief and picked the box up from the floor. He had not failed yet.

He pushed himself up from the floor, box in hand, and staggered to the doors. The large door pushed open with a loud creak and allowed a cold gust of air to enter the room. It threatened to snuff out the fire at the center but, the fire burnt strong as ever. Snow covered the area, deeper than before, and blocked most of the lands features from view. The man looked around the land below him as he stood in the doorway at the top of the hill and nodded to himself. He had made it.

He carefully made his way through the snow and past rows of headstones. The journey was almost over. Any other signs of visitors had been blanketed by the snow. Flowers left for lost, loved ones, trinkets, thoughts and memories. They had all been wiped away by the snow.

As he approached his destination, he stopped. Someone was already sitting there and was talking. The scowl on his face turned to a frown. Why was someone there? That was his space. That was his lost family. Snow and ice crunched under his feet as he walked over to the pair of headstones and the other person.

He examined the person sitting on the ground. The other man was wearing a heavy coat and a scarf around the bottom half of his face. He was much better prepared for the harsh weather than the man with the box. He sighed and listened as the man sitting on the ground spoke.

His voice was muffled by the scarf but still understandable, "Little Brother should be here soon. I put him up in the memorial to warm up and that. He was on his way here with just his frock on. I had followed him even though I know he hates it when I do. I just wanted to make sure he got here in one piece. You would want that.." He sighed before continuing, "I am doing my best to take care of him but, it feels so impossible sometimes, you know? He really misses you two and I cannot do anything about that."

The younger brother sat next to the man in the coat with a sigh. He had started shivering again but, he did not care. The box in his hands fell into his lap and he hugged himself. His older brother looked at him with concern on his face. He should not have been back outside yet. He was still too weak.

He looked down at the box in his brother's lap, "Do you always bring them a present?"

A nod was all that was given in reply as the man had started to tear up again.

"It is going to be alright, Little Brother... It is not your fault."

His voice was weak from the cold air and from crying, "It is all my fault.."

The man frowned, "No. You could not have known. No one could have."

"I should have been able to protect them!" He snapped, "I hesitated! I was weak!" He collapsed against his brother in a sobbing heap, "They were killed and it is all my fault.."

His brother put an arm around him, "It was not your fault.." He frowned, "They would never blame you. Neither of them."

The man wiped at his face and the tears smeared and froze to his face in a thin layer, "I blame myself."
"If there is anything I can do for you, please let me know," the man in the coat sighed.

He shook his head and looked at the headstones but, did not say anything more. The brother's sat in silence until the younger one spoke up. His voice was barely a whisper and hardly audible over the wind, "I may be a little late but, I still came to visit like I promised I would..."

The worn, wooden box was finally opened to reveal a single yellow rose. The box had protected it from the harsh winter winds and snow. He placed the lonely flower in front of the larger headstone and wiped his face on his sleeve. The man had traveled such a long way, perhaps too long, to preform such a small gesture. He did not want his family to think he had forgotten them. He could never forget his wife or their child.

His older brother rose to his feet with a frown, "If you need me, I will be in the memorial. Do not be out here too long, please.."

The lonely man nodded and remained silent, watching the headstones as his brother trekked back through the snow and to the safety of the marble dome. He let out a long sigh that clouded the air with smoke and closed the wooden box. It had served its purpose. The man wished he could find his. He felt so lost.

With a sigh he stood and bowed his head in silence. He did not want to go but, he knew he needed to. The man stood and watched until the rose was covered by snow before he turned away and walked back out into the blizzard so that he too could be buried with the land's secrets.

It was a cold winter morning. The snow had just begun to blanket the ground. I had not been long on my own. It had been perhaps a week but, it felt like an eternity. I had not slept since we were separated. I worried about her too much. When I would wake at night, no one was there. I did not even have my brother anymore. It all felt so surreal. The days had begun to run together. The time of the day did not matter anymore. Nothing seemed to matter anymore.

I had been traipsing through the snow for hours that morning. The flurries of snow had turned to heavy sheets. "One last job," that is what I kept telling myself. One more and then I could rest for a while with the money I had.

The cold had finally started to set into my weary bones. I was shivering badly and having trouble thinking. I slid down a tree and closed my eyes. The snow was frigid but, I was too tired to care about that. Maybe if I just rested for a few minutes, I could make it to town. I quickly fell asleep after closing my eyes. The elements paired with lack of sleep made it all too easy to let myself slip out of conciousness.

I am not sure how much time had passed after that. I only remember waking again. It was not cold though, it was warm. I could smell wood smoke. I was inside. The warmth of the room had returned some of the feeling to my hands. It was painful sensation. Every ache and pain from the days past filled my body. I groaned and pushed myself up into my elbows. I could not manage any more than that. The cold had left me too weak.

The blanket on the floor was soft and so was the one covering me. Whoever had helped me had gone through a lot of trouble to make sure I was taken care of. My wounds were dressed, the blankets were clean, the fire was stoked and, there was a plate of food sitting on the floor. It had been days since I had eaten anything and I drug the plate over. Anything was good enough. I was starving.

The plate was filled with fruit, apples, pears, grapes, peaches... Where did someone find such things in the middle of winter? It did not matter. Hunger took over almost immediately and I sunk my teeth into one of the pears. I ate with abandon. It was something I needed. It was something I had not had in days and the need took over anything else. There was no pain, no worry, no feeling of needing sleep, there was only food.

Something stopped me though when I got to the last peach. I frowned and set it back on the plate, pushing it to the side. What if she somehow made her way here? She had to eat too. With a heavy sigh I put my head back down and closed my eyes. I needed to try and rest. Sleep was my escape. Dreams were my comfort. At least when I was asleep, I was happy. When I was asleep, I was not alone or depressed.

A sharp pain in my shoulder brought reality back into focus all too soon. I snarled and out of reflex pushed the person away. I quickly sat up and looked around the room. The feeling and presents of another person seemed foreign almost and they left an uncertainty in the air of the room. After a few moments, my vision focused enough to allow me to see who I had pushed away.

The woman had a look of surprise on her face when I looked at her. She was dressed in darker colors and a pair of heels. It was a different set of attire but, it was nothing that would stand out in a crowd. I saw a lot of myself in her for some reason. Maybe it was the broken look of surprise on her face. Maybe it was because we both dressed in all black. I really do not know.

She stood and brushed herself off, glaring at me as she did, "So much for being nice enough to help you..." I frowned at the expression a little. She seemed more upset than irritated or angry. I tried to push myself up off the floor. For all I knew, she wanted to kill me and, looking weak was not the best thing to do. My knees buckled under me and I sank back down to the ground.

She caught me by the arm and sighed, "You have to rest or you will not be going anywhere. You are hurt."

I shook my head, "It is nothing.."

The woman laughed. I knew she was laughing at me, "Even someone like you has to rest, Araris."

That name, I had not heard my name in such a long time. I frowned and my heart sunk as she spoke it. The woman gave me an odd look, "Something I said?" I just shook my head but, she was not buying it. We were more similar than I first thought.

"Come on. It is something," she goaded, "Lose your wife or something?"

"Shut up!" I snapped and pushed myself up onto my feet, "You do not know anything so, shut your damned mouth!"

She frowned at me, "I did not mean to step on any nerves.."

I stepped forward but fell again. I did not fight it when I sunk to the floor or when the tears started to fall. I ached in more ways than one. I felt alone all the time. I was always physically hurting. I felt like I should not have been living.

She watched me before she hesitantly stepped forward to sit in front of me. Why did she care? No one else cared. She put a hand on my shoulder, "It is alright..." I shook my head and sniffled. It could never be alright. I could never be alright.

"Well," the woman frowned, "you can call me Swindler.." I nodded even though I did not look up or say anything. I still did not trust her at all but, at least I had her name.
I spoke after a few minutes more. She had not tried to kill me at all or take advantage of the weakened state I was obviously in. "Fade..."

Swindler nodded, "Alright. ... Fade then." She smiled, "Feeling any better?"

I nodded and forced myself to stay on my feet.

"Lay back down." Swindler sighed, "You have to get better, tough guy."

"It is not as bad as it looks," I laid back on the blanket and closed my eyes.

She laughed again as she walked out of the room, "If you need anything, I am in the next room over."

Swindler, or at least that is what she called herself, was different from most of the people I had met. She had learned to laughed at things even when they were bad. She was a lot like my brother. He laughed at a lot of things that would make people cringe. It was just how he had dealt with stress.

I pulled the other blanket over myself with a sigh of relief. No place could ever be home but, at least I felt safe...

The wound on my shoulder had begun to bleed again and soaked the sleeve of my shirt but, it did not bother me at all. I welcomed the feeling of pain in my shoulder. Emotions were something I kept shut out most of the time. It was hard to remember what happy or sad was. Pain was always there though. At least I could feel something.

The next time I opened my eyes, the sun was shining again. I must have passed out the night before. Bloody bandages were on the floor and Swindler was sitting in front of the fire. She must have changed the bandages. I sat up, "Why?"

She glanced back at me, "Do I need a reason?"

I sighed. I had no patience for games.

She chuckled, "It was the right thing to do."

"I do not believe you," I snorted.

Swindler tossed a pouch at me, "Well, maybe that was not everything.. I knew you would have a contract and I needed money."

I opened the pouch and counted the coins inside. There should have been more than enough for a room and food but, half was missing. I looked up at Swindler with a look of irritation, "Where is my money?"

"I need money too, you know." She offered a smile.

"Give me my money!" I growled.

Swindler frowned, "I have to eat too... Been stuck in this shack since it all started. Stealing from people to make it alive." She sighed, "I just want to go home..."

I nodded. I understood how she felt. That is all I really wanted too. I wanted to go home. Where was home? No place had ever been home since I left the little house outside of that town. It had been years since I had a home. No home. No family. No friends. Just myself.

"I suppose you will want the rest of the bounty then," she spoke quietly as she stood.

"Keep it," I gathered my things, "Payment for staying and supplies.." I pushed myself up and staggered a little. Resting would have been the best thing to do but, I was never good at it. I slung my bag over my shoulder and staggered to the front door. My legs were still weak and I was still tired but, it was best not to get attached at all.

"Be careful out there." Swindler chuckled, "I do not have enough supplies to patch you up again."

I opened the door and stepped outside, "You too."

It was still snowing when I left for town. At least there was a little hope left. Not everyone was bad as it had turned out. I continued my walk. Maybe we would meet again, maybe we would not. In either case, I would not forget what had happened that day.

It was a surprise to everyone once they heard. None would have expected it, especially not with this particular person. Nevertheless, Jessie was happy and that was all they cared about. Even if it meant enduring the non-stop talk about how wonderful said person was, even if she refused to give a name. They must have been meeting in secret, although no one could figure out why. She had never spoken a bad word, or even given a reason for the hidden meetings that she went on, frequently. Her father didn’t seem to have an issue with it, so either he was afraid of breaking off these little engagements or knew who she was seeing. Most believed the latter, since Charlie wasn’t one to let his daughter run off with any ill-begotten man under the sun. While most were prone to gossip, the subject on everyone’s lips was what kind of man she was out with almost every day and most of the night. The rest were gossiping about their night time activities; most weren’t stupid enough to speak of it out loud, especially where Charlie could hear. Many a time they watched her prance off into the forest, wondering just exactly who she was spending time with.

      Today she left around noon, sneaking off to a hidden clearing in a new outfit, specifically picked out for this occasion. When she arrived, a large checkered sheet covered the ground, adorned with an open picnic basket and an array of snacks and sandwiches. She let out a yip of joy and hugged the person who had set it all up; they had been waiting for her patiently. They spent the rest of the day messing around and talking; Jessie would start a poke war and end up being chased around, caught and lifted up and over their shoulder, toted around as they saw fit. After threatening to never come back, she’d be let down and instantly fire off a few questions she had been saving, most answered with a small laugh and shake of the head. As the sun sunk lower and their conversation dwindled as they watched the sun set; they lay together with only the hands entwined, just watching as the sun finally dipped lower, letting the stars free and the moon out to rule. Once the sky darken, Jessie let out a yelp as she was pulled onto of the person she had been so eager to see. A loud huff left her as she looked down at the smug smile that waited for her. Their hands slipped around her waist, holding her lightly pressed against them. After a few seconds of stilled silenced, her face became red and she squirmed, trying to dislodge herself. She placed her hands on their chest, pushing upwards and sitting upright. Their hands were still around her waist, and for a moment they tightened. Out of shock, she jerked away from the person’s hands; they pulled her back, completely out of reflex.

      A low grunt left the person under her, and with a light shove she was deposited onto the floor. Her date sat upright, their legs coming up and a look of annoyance across their face. Her face burned as she stared at the ground, her heart beating in her chest. They sat that way for a while, before small sound of displeasure broke the awkward silence. Her eyes welled with tears, a pout forming as her fist clenched. “It’s not my fault…”

"I will be gone for a little while so, you will be staying here with my brother," the words were more a command than a statement from the man and caused a small whimper to leave the girl's throat. She had been with him ever since they lost their families. He was the only family she knew now. The young girl had a lot of anxiety due to the trauma of their families and homes being taken away. She was terrified of strangers. She was afraid of new places. She had trouble being along for long periods of time and, now, she was going to have to face all of those things by herself.

The man frowned at her scared cry and lifted her off the ground. He might have been very tall and mean looking but, he had a soft spot for his young companion. The girl hugged onto him as they entered the large, stone doors of the barracks. She was trembling. It was loud and full of strange people. The young child covered her ears and buried her face into the man's chest. She was scared.

The man let out a sigh as he walked down the hall, his boots thumping as he walked, and opened one of the doors, "Michael."

A yawn could be heard in the dark and it was a moment more before any light shown in the room. Another man, only a couple of inches shorter than the girl's current companion sat on the top bunk of a bed, "What is it?"

"This is the girl I was telling you about," the man set her down on the floor, "Frances, that is my brother."

The young child nodded but, clung to her protector's legs. Why was he leaving her here? What if he never came back? Frances was full of uncertainty. She didn't want him to leave. He was the only thing she knew for certain. He couldn't leave here in this strange place with these strange people. Could he?

She watched as Michael slid off the top bunk, situated himself on the floor, and crossed his legs. He seemed different to her somehow. This person wasn't like her guardian. His posture was more relaxed and so was his demeanor. He was not scowling. Her companion always seemed to do that. The stranger held out a hand to Frances, "It is alright. Little Brother would not let anything bad happen to you."

Frances giggled. Little. He was anything, but little. He was even taller than Michael by a small amount. Maybe she could trust Michael. She crept from her hiding place and stood in front of him so that she was just out of arms reach. He gave her a small smile and leaned forward to reach for her, causing Frances to dart back behind the safety of her protector but, he was no longer there.

The child looked around in a frantic and distraught manner. What was she suppose to do? The girl let out a loud whimper and shook. She did not know what to do with herself. She plopped down on the floor and hid behind her snow colored wings as her eyes filled with tears. Why did he leave her? Michael frowned at her, "You are safe here. I will not hurt you at all..."

Frances peaked out at him, still shaking, and nodded slowly. Her friend was this man's brother. If he could trust Michael, she could too. The girl slowly folded her wings back and scooted a little closer to him. He smiled at the girl, "Do you need anything?"

Frances shook her head in reply and curled up in the corner of the room.

"Well, you let me know if you do, alright?"

The girl nodded but, still did not speak at all.

Michael sighed and leaned back against the set of bunks. What was he suppose to do with her? Why did his brother even leave her with him? He glanced back over to the child who was still watching him and slowly stood up. Frances scooted further away from him until she was backed against the wall and whimpered quietly. The man frowned and knelt down in front of her but did not speak. She closed her eyes tightly, expecting the worst, and slowly opened her eyes when she was hugged. It took her a moment but, she hugged him back and quieted down.

He smiled, "See? I am not so bad, am I?" He lifted the girl off the ground, "Little Brother told me you were shy. Do not worry though, everyone here is very nice."

The girl looked up at him and nodded but, still would not speak at all.

Michael chuckled and stood, opening the door that lead out into the hall, "You will get use to us. I promise."

Frances gave another nod as she leaned against him and watched as other doors in the hallway passed. He seemed nice enough. He had not yelled or gotten mad. He had been patient with her. Maybe she would be safe here. The girl eyed a large set of double doors as they came into view and then glanced up at her new guardian. She was uncertain. There were a lot of loud voices and carrying on coming from the other side of the door and it frightened the girl.

The man gave her a smile, "It is alright. They are all nice people, just kind of loud." He pushed the door open and walked into the room with the girl. It was the mess hall. There were rows of tables and chairs, all filled with people. She let out a small cry and hunkered down in his arms. It was far too many people for her.

The noise emitted by the girl attracted the attention of a few people at one of the tables and a young woman stood up, looking over as she did, "I never thought we would see the day you have kids."

Michael laughed, "She is not mine. She is the one that Little Brother wanted us to watch."

The woman smiled at Frances, "I am Shocka. What is your name?"

She looked up at Shocka, giving a nod, but the only noise she could muster up was a pathetic sounding whimper.

The young lady smiled at her, "There is no reason to be scared. We are all friends here. That includes you."

Frances gave another meek nod and looked up at Michael.

He gave a reassuring nod, "You go with her while I get us some food, alright?"

She eyed the woman for a moment and slowly held out a hand. Shocka gave Frances' hand a gentle squeeze and Michael set her down on the ground before walking off. The frightened girl was shaking again. She could not help it. Her acquaintance led Frances over to the table in the corner where Shocka had originally been seated.

Frances looked around the table of people and nervously pressed herself to the woman's side. There were at least a dozen strangers sitting at the table already. Shocka pulled out a pair of adjacent chairs and took a seat in one, "You are allowed to sit here too, Frances."

The girl nodded and climbed up into the chair next to her but, remained silent. The large group of strangers were just as nice as the first two people she had met. They all greeted her with a hello and acted just as if she were an old friend. No one pushed her to speak. They allowed her to adjust and become comfortable at her own rate. Even after Michael returned to the table and introduced her a little more, the kindness did not waver.

It amazed Frances that people could be so caring. Her traumatic past had all but wiped that fact from reality. She was always afraid someone would try and hurt her again and, without her guardian, no one would be able to stop that from happening. She settled into her chair as the others spoke. They acted like a large family. The group of people picked on one another, laughed, told jokes, and had a good time. She smiled a little. It was nice to be part of a family again.

The only light that shown in the cramped foxhole was that of a small, dim flashlight held in a man's mouth.  Like so many others, he just wanted to go home to his family.  Unlike a lot of the others, his wife had actually waited for him. He carefully unfolded the paper tucked in the safety of his front pocket with a sigh and read over it.


    My Dearest Araris,

  We have't heard from you in a while and I'm beginning to worry.  Kiro keeps asking when you'll be home but, all I can tell him is "Soon."  I know it probably won't be for a long time yet.  We're both waiting for you though.  I'm waiting for you.  I hope your package got there safely.  I know things get mixed up sometimes or arrive late but, that's fine.  We know you'd at least appreciate the thought of it.  I had sent along your coat, I don't know how cold it gets there but, I wanted you to be warm. Your son insisted we make cookies to send you.  They probably ended up crumbs along the way but, he meant well with the idea.  There should also have been a picture in the bottom of the box.  He's getting big, you know.  I wish I could send you more than a picture.
 
  How's your brother doing?  I assume you're still serving together.  He'll take good care of you, I have good faith in the both of you but, I'm still worried.  Promise to stay safe for me, both of you.

Yours Patiently,
                                                                                                    Elaine


    He frowned as he folded the letter back up and tucked it into place.  Stay safe.  That was a lot easier said than done.  He turned the flashlight off and put it back into its proper space.  He had written a few days ago, it was the first time he had, had a chance in a couple of months.  

Hopefully she would receive the letter soon and be able to rest easy for a night.  Araris let out another quiet sigh and glanced over as the man next to him stirred.  At least he was with his brother.  At least he was with someone he could trust.

    The man sat up and looked over at his brother who hadn't yet gone to sleep, "You need to sleep too."

    He shook his head, "I can't, Michael.."

    Michael frowned, "Well, you should at least try.  I'll take watch now."

    Araris nodded with a sigh and leaned back against the earthen wall.  It wasn't comfortable, but at least it was somewhat safe.  The exhausted man quickly fell asleep, even as he tried to fight it.



    Elaine sat by the window, waiting for the post to arrive, as she did every day.  It was one of the few things she had to look forward to.  Her husband had been drafted and it left her to take care of their son and the house by herself.  As soon as the mail hit the box, Elaine had stood and opened the door to snatch it from its resting place.  She thumbed through the envelopes, tossing them onto the coffee table, until she reached the last one.  A deep sigh of relief left her mouth as she sat to read it.


    Elaine,

  It's been some time since our last correspondence but, I assure you things are well.  You know I can't say much about our position and condition.  It could compromise us.  I got your package with some delay but, it was appriciated.  Especially the picture.  I sent one back of us and a few of the others.  It's attached to the back.  I rather be at home with you but, there's no end in sight.  Tell Kiro that I haven't forgotten about him.  I'm worried that he thinks I have.

  Michael is doing alright, as am I.  We've managed to stick together so far.  Rest assured that we gave each other's backs.  There's no need for you to be worried.  Just take care of things until we return home.

Yours,
                                                                                            Araris

P.S. Michael ate all of my cookies.  Requesting more.


    Elaine smiled and turned the paper over to find the photo on the back.  He and Michael were always easy to pick out since they were taller than everyone else. .She glanced over at the couch to find Kiro sleeping.  She'd have to tell him later; there was no reason to wake the sleeping boy and she had to leave for work anyway.



    "Mail call!" The voice rang through the medical tent.  Araris groaned and tried to push himself up but, found a stranger forcing him to lay back down.  He scowled at The man but, didn't put up a fight.  He hurt too much and was too weak.  The man sat next to the cot and gave him a smile, "Good to see you concious.  I thought we'd lost you."

    The injured man coughed, "What's that suppose to mean?"

    "Your troop was bombed, don't you remember?"  The man sitting in the chair looked concerned for the one lying on the cot.

    Araris shook his head in reply and coughed again.

    "You need to relax," the man commented.  By the looks of him, he was a surgeon.  They must have taken the whole troop to one of the mobile hospitals for patching up before they threw them back out on the front lines.  The man took off his gloves and held out a hand, "Max, Surgeon of the 57th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital."

    The injured man gave a salute, "Araris, Leading Captain of the 141st Land Based Infantry."
    Max nodded, "Alright, Captain,"  he waved for the boy who carried the sack of mail to come over, "Let's see if you have any mail, hmm?"

    Araris forced himself into a sitting position with a growl of discomfort and nodded.  He was still pale from losing blood and ached from being hit with shrapnel and operated on.  He watched as Max dug through the mail sack and set a small package and a letter on the end of the cot, "Lucky man, you are."

    The man nodded and looked around, "What about my brother though? and the others?"

    The surgeon stood up, "They're all here, safe and sound.  A few are still in surgery, including your brother.  I'll go check on him for you while you tend to yourself."

    Araris gave a nod as the other man walked away and tore into the letter.


    My Araris,

  The first day of school was today.  Kiro was excited to go and make some new friends.  I only wish you could have been here to see him go.  I sent him with one of the old messenger bags from our closet though, he's still a little too short for the strap on it.  I'm sure he'll want to tell you all about it when you get back.

  We were both very happy to see the picture.  It got hung up on the refrigerator.  Your son misses you too.  He didn't want to put the picture down.  I only got it from him when he dozed off on the couch with me while watching television.

  I sent extra cookies this time.  Don't let Michael get hold of them this time, okay?  I know he'll eat them all again if you do.  I miss you so much, please come home soon.

Love,
   Elaine


    Araris scrunched the letter in his hand and hugged the package she had sent for him.  She always talked about how she missed him and about how she wanted him to come home.  That's all he really wanted too.  Pictures were nice and so were the care packages but, nothing could ever compare to being home.  The captain quickly straitened himself up and glanced at the door when he heard it open.  No one needed to see him in a weakened state.  He was a leader after all.



   Elaine was sitting on the couch, looking through the mail, when Kiro came home from school.  She gave the boy a smile and patted the spot next to her on the couch, "How was school?"

    "It was good!"  Kiro exclaimed as he climbed up onto the couch, "Did we get a letter?"  

    His mother nodded, "We got a letter. You run along and do your school work.  Once it's finished, I'll read it to you.  Okay?"

    The young boy gave a nod and hurried off to do his homework.  He didn't question it; just did as his mother asked.  The truth was, Elaine wanted to make sure she knew what to tell him should the letter contain bad news.  She was always hopeful though and the most recent envelope was no exception.  The worried wife carefully pried the seal from the paper and read.


    My Dearest Love Elaine,

  I'm glad the boy enjoys school.  Hopefully it'll help to pass the days before I return home.  It helps to know that he isn't mad at me.  It crosses my mind often that it upsets him that I left.

  I may be home soon, as well as Michael, under unfortunate circumstances.  We've been taken up to the Third Echelon for treatment.  I'm making a recovery, even if it's a slow one but, Michael has not been so fortunate.  He may be taken up to one of the general hospitals for treatment.  I'll be put back out on the front lines without him if that's the case.   We've lost a few of the others.  It's been hard on everyone.  

  I've given away most of the cookies but, the men need them more than I do.  You'd be surprised how much they boost morale.  A big thanks from everyone.  It's the little things that make the biggest difference sometimes.

  I hope to send good word next I write but, should this be my last letter, I rather have told you myself than they just send you one of their fill in the blanks.  For the first time, in a long time, I am truly afraid.  Afraid for both myself and the others.  Just keep up hope for us.  

Hope to See You Soon,
   Araris[/i]


    Elaine frowned as she folded the letter back over and sighed.  What was she suppose to say to Kiro?  She couldn't tell him the truth, not this time.  The woman stood and glanced over to the boy whom was working away at the table.  She's have to tell him.



    The next time the call for mail rang, Araris was at least able to sit himself up.  He still was unable to walk though.  He gave a short wave when his name was called and fumbled with the envalope.


    Dear Araris,

  I regret to hear of the condition you're in and hope you make a quick recovery.  It must be difficult.  I'm sorry I can't be there to help.  Kiro asked how you are.  I didn't want to worry him though. I told him you're doing fine.  
  I'm glad to hear-


     His concentration was broke when someone burst into the room with the exclamation that it was over.  They'd won.  They could all go home now.  He sighed in relief and fell back onto the cot.  Not much longer and he'd be back home where he belonged.  That was all he needed to hear.  He could finish recovering at home.  He glanced around the room at everyone and nodded to himself.  They'd all fought hard and they all deserved it.



    A couple weeks passed with no word.  Elaine had assumed the worst but, she hadn't received a letter confirming her fears either.  Maybe he was just missing.  She sniffled and sat under the window.  It had been years.  He wasn't ever coming home.  Elaine wiped the tears from her face and sighed.   She needed to be strong.  The mail should have been there in a few minutes, maybe there was a letter today.

    The woman stood herself up to look out the window once more and sighed.  What was she doing?  She did this every day.   It was just a waste of time.  Elaine stopped and looked up when she noticed someone walking up the driveway.  It wasn't the mailman like it should have been.  He was taller and more built but, he wasn't dressed like Araris use to be.  He had a limp and was a little unkempt, nothing like he ever was.

    She frowned, bracing herself for the worst, and opened the door.  He stopped a few feet shy of her and handed over an envelope, "They were busy sending us all home.  I didn't have time to get it in the mail."

    Elaine took the envelope and nodded, "Is it really?"  

    Araris gave a nod in reply and looked up at the house.

    Elaine all but knocked the unstable man over as she hugged him.  She was so happy to see him safe, even if he was injured.  He lifted her off the ground and hugged her back as he ducked down into the house and plopped down on the couch, "Where is he?"

    "At school, he'll be home soon," she smiled.

    He gave a nod and stretched out on the couch, closing his eyes, "Wake me when he gets here..."

Waves lapped quietly at the side of a boat. The water was clear, except for the occasional ripple created by a tear dropping into it. The captain of the vessel gave a sniffle and wiped his face on the sleeve of his coat. Why did he have to be different? Why did he have to be left behind?

All of his family was off at war and he was left alone. He could never live up to what any of them were. His mother was a nurse. His father was a colonel and his older brother was a captain. Even his two younger siblings were off to make a name for themselves, and then there was him. There was Silvius.

The young man could never be any of that. A childhood injury left him without his right hand. He was useless to the military. He could never learn to sword fight, or how to use a bow. Everyone would look down upon him. Silvius would be a nobody in a family of greats.

He sniffled again and watched as his tears tainted the water. Why did he have to be different? The young man tried to wipe the tears away, but they were only replaced by more. It did not matter. No one could see his tears while he was out on his ship. It had been years since Silvius had seen another of his kind. He often felt like they had all been parts of his imagination.

He blinked the tears away and turned the boat back around. It was getting dark and he needed to dock before the sun disappeared from the sky.

The boarding plank hit the dock with a loud thud and Silvius trudged off of the boat. He was often lonely and would watch the water for a few more hours before returning to his now empty home. He would do anything to take his mind off the pain. Silvius only made it a few more steps before he stopped and drew in a breath. Someone was sitting on the dock? No one ever sat out on the dock. Well, no one except for himself...

Ragged breathing filled the cool night air with an unsteady mist. The fallen soldier was leaned up against a tree with his brother knelt in front of him. The pair had been sent out to do some night time reconnaissance, but the older of the two had stepped on a trip wire and was gravely injured by the trap.

The injured man winced and held his stomach. It had been a very painful injury that was exacerbated by exhaustion and previous injuries. He was pale with blood loss and his eyelids felt increasingly heavy. He let out a pained sigh and coughed causing a small amount of blood to stain his lips.

His brother frowned and dug through the supplies he had brought with him. They were too far from their troop or any friendlies to go get help. His brother wouldn't survive the trip, so it was up to him to tend to the wound and bring his brother wellness enough that they could travel back. He sighed and hung his head in defeat. The supplies would not be ample enough to help his brother.

A hand weakly squeezed his shoulder and was accompanied by a chuckle, "I-it's okay, Little Brother..."

The younger of the two shook his head and frowned, "I should have walked ahead, Michael.." He pulled the flask from his pocket, "This is going to hurt, but I have to try and get you back on your feet."

Michael nodded and took a moment to steady his breathing before he could speak, "... You know... You're a great man, Araris... You're going to move on to do good things.."

He frowned and carefully poured the contents of his flask across the deep gash, "Save your breath.."

The wounded soldier grimaced in pain and clenched his fists tightly. His knuckled turned white. His lip bled when he bit into it. Araris gave a concerned look to his fallen brother and continued his best attempt to heal him. Michael closed his eyes and attempted to steady his labored breathing even as a few pained whimpers left his throat. His younger brother did his best to clean the wound properly and sew it shut, but without the proper equipment, it was nearly impossible. He sighed in defeat as he wrapped the bandages over the stomach wound. At least he had tried.

Michael's breathing steadied again after a few minutes and he opened his eyes to look at his brother. He smiled weakly and held out a hand. Michael knew he didn't have much longer. The wound had been too deep for his brother to properly close. There had been internal damage as well. Even if he no longer appeared to be bleeding, he still was. The man knew that. He could feel it.

Araris took his hand and squeezed it, "You will be alright... I'll get you back and they can put you back together..."

His sibling shook his head, "I'm not going to make it.. I know that. It's okay."

"No it's not!" The other man snapped, "Dammit, Michael! You have to come back with me!"

Michael frowned, "I'm sorry, Little Brother.." He swallowed, "Please don't be mad at me... I wanted to walk ahead so you would be safe.."

The scowl that was normally worn by his younger brother softened a little. It was an odd gesture. It did not occur often. Araris scooted over and situated himself so that he was sitting next to his brother, "I'm not mad."

Michael nodded as he wearily rested his head on his brother's shoulder, "You know what you have to do, right?"

There was a long pause before his reply. He didn't want to be the one to do it, but there was no one else around. The younger man gave a curt nod, "Can it wait a few minutes though?"

The wounded man chuckled and put his arm over his brother's shoulders, "One last drink? If you'll get us my flask from my jacket pocket.."

Araris nodded and careful pulled the flask from his brother's pocket. All he had left was his brother, and even that would soon be only a memory. He carefully opened the flask and held it to his brother's lips for him to drink. Michael took a sip and frowned, "I'm very proud of you.. You know that? I want you to know that."

The strong, calm voice of his brother shattered, "Don't talk like that." He took a swig from the flask and sighed.

He pulled his brother into a hug and winced, "We won't be apart forever. It's okay.." He sniffled, "Stay strong for me. I know we don't have any family left. I'm sorry you're the last one." Michael's voice started to become unsteady as he spoke, "I-I'll always b-be around if y-you need m-me."

His younger brother had never been a particularly emotional person, but he hugged his brother back and nodded. He was going to be alone from that point forward. Araris felt he should at least be truthful with his dying brother, "I'll miss you."

Michael nodded and any attempt to steady his voice failed him, "I-I'm going to m-miss you too, L-Little Br-rother.." He winced once more and coughed, "O-one last s-sip... and then... y-you know."

His brother didn't say anything in response, but handed his brother the flask and helped him drink from it. It would be the last thing they ever did together. Araris would never forget. His older brother offered a meek, comforting smile before he let his chin hit against his chest.

Araris hesitantly pulled the pistol from his belt and looked at his brother. Michael was in a lot of pain and it was plain to see. He pulled his dying brother into a hug and placed the gun against his temple, earning a thankful glance from him. He knew that Michael was ready, but Araris wasn't.

With a shaking hand he cocked the gun and placed his finger on the trigger. He had killed a lot of people over the last few years, however he never imagined one of them would have to be his brother. His resolve wavered for only a moment before he looked away and pulled the trigger. The shot rang and scared the birds and other animals in nearby trees away. It was over.

It took a few minutes for his shaking to subside and a few more after that before he dared to look at what he had done. When he finally looked at the body he held in his arms, he wept. His brother was gone. He squeezed his lifeless brother's hand and sniffled, "I'm sorry, Michael..." Araris looked down at himself in the dim light of sunrise and frowned. He was covered in blood. He could see that now.

The man gently closed his brother's eyes and pulled his jacket off to cover him as he stood. They could at least make it back to the troop together.

IT'S NOT FINISHED YET, BUT I'M AWEFUL.

    The dark living room was heavy with silence.  The three people sitting on the couch did not know what to say to each other and all quietly sat next to one another.  None of them even knew how to comfort themselves in the current circumstance.  The man sitting in the center sunk back into the cushion and exhaled.  What was he suppose to say to his sons?

    A quiet voice broke the silence after a few more minutes, "... Ema is going to come back, right?"  The youngest was not completely certain of what had happened.  He looked up at his father and frowned, "Right, Isa?..."

    The man put a hand on the boy's shoulder and paused for a moment before he spoke, "No, she is not."

    "Are you sure?"  The boy questioned, "She was just sick.  She is going to get better.  Is she not?..."

    His voice cracked when he replied.  He was obviously upset, "N-no..  I am sorry."

    The young boy quickly shifted his gaze to his feet.  He had not meant to upset his father at all.  He just wanted to know if his mother would come home soon.  It had only been a few days, but he missed her.  He did not understand why his father and older brother were so upset.  She would come home eventually.  Would she not?

    The oldest of the two siblings had yet to say anything, but he was shaking rather violently as he tried to keep himself silent.  He let out a few broken sniffles every few minutes, but was quiet other than those breaths.  The young man looked at his brother and then their father with a sigh and went back to staring into the darkness.

If there's something like 2-5/11, that means I work 2 to 5, and they could have me stay until 11 so I would work 2 to 11

Sunday: 2-5/11
Monday:10-2/7
Tuesday: Off
Wednesday: 5-8 
Thursday: Off
Friday: 10-2/7
Saturday: 8-11
Sunday: 10-2

I FORGOT THIS EXISTED I FINISHED IT OOPS PART 2 ON THE TEXT BOARD CAUSE I'M A LAZY SHIT

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It was a surprise to everyone once they heard. None would have expected it, especially not with this particular person. Nevertheless, Jessie was happy and that was all they cared about. Even if it meant enduring the non-stop talk about how wonderful said person was, even if she refused to give a name. They must have been meeting in secret, although no one could figure out why. She had never spoken a bad word, or even given a reason for the hidden meetings that she went on, frequently. Her father didn’t seem to have an issue with it, so either he was afraid of breaking off these little engagements or knew who she was seeing. Most believed the latter, since Charlie wasn’t one to let his daughter run off with any ill-begotten person under the sun. While most were prone to gossip, the subject on everyone’s lips was what kind of man she was out with almost every day and most of the night. The rest were gossiping about their night time activities; most weren’t stupid enough to speak of it out loud, especially where Charlie could hear. Many a time they watched her prance off into the forest, wondering just exactly who she was spending time with.

Today she left around noon, sneaking off to a hidden clearing in a new outfit, specifically picked out for this occasion. When she arrived, a large checkered sheet covered the ground, adorned with an open picnic basket and an array of snacks and sandwiches. She let out a yip of joy and hugged the person who had set it all up; they had been waiting for her patiently. They spent the rest of the day messing around and talking; Jessie would start a poke war and end up being chased around, caught and lifted up and over their shoulder, toted around as they saw fit. After threatening to never come back, she’d be let down and instantly fire off a few questions she had been saving, most answered with a small laugh and shake of the head. As the sun sunk lower and their conversation dwindled as they watched the sun set; they lay together with only the hands entwined, just watching as the sun finally dipped lower, letting the stars free and the moon out to rule. Once the sky darken, she let out a yelp as she was pulled onto of the person she had been so eager to see. A loud huff left her as she looked down at the smug smile that waited for her. Their hands slipped around her waist, holding her lightly pressed against them. After a few seconds of stilled silenced, her face became red and she squirmed, trying to dislodge herself. She placed her hands on their chest, pushing upwards and sitting upright. Their hands were still around her waist, and for a moment they tightened. Out of shock, she jerked away from the person’s hands; they pulled her back, completely out of reflex.

A low grunt left the person under her, and with a light shove she was deposited onto the floor. Her date sat upright, their legs coming up and a look of annoyance across their face. Her face burned as she stared at the ground, her heart beating in her chest. They sat that way for a while, before small sound of displeasure broke the awkward silence. Her eyes welled with tears, a pout forming as her fist clenched. “I don’t want to do that!”
She was dismissed with a flick of a hand, the person besides her telling her that she didn’t have to. It was something that happened to anyone, especially in those positions. That only made her face redden more, and her date couldn’t help but laugh. She let out an angry little noise, shoving the person with both of her hands. Soon the light hearted mood returned, the two laughing and jostling each other as the night came to an end. With the picnic basket packed up and their hands entwined once again, they took their time walking to the point where they would split up and meet again the next day. Her chivalrous date insisted that they walk home together, but she politely declined and went on her way. After all, she wasn’t a child and she was capable of finding her way home. Considering home was less than a quarter mile away, her date had nothing to fear.

Later that night as she was slipping beneath her sheets, her phone began a slow, steady ringing.

To be continued