ghuerifuhgugdfdgj

[ghuerifuhgugdfdgj]

Rowan stands and I flinch again. But she doesn’t try to kill me. Or hit me. Or do anything at all. The girl simply turns to the fire and fixes the now-dead flame. Oh God. I seriously messed up.

“I’m...” I stop, knowing another apology won’t do me any good. If anything, it makes the situation worse. So I yank back all babble and words and decide that, given the chance, I will cut off my tongue and become and avox. Unfortunately, I don’t have that luxury, and the words come unbidden again.

“That was awful of me to do. I shouldn’t have. I understand if you want to murder me.”

I curl up into even more of a ball on the forest floor, hoping that I’ll disappear entirely.  

“I’m going to never talk again now.”

The Road We Travel || Arena Day 2 || Gvenna & Rowan

[ghuerifuhgugdfdgj]

My stomach drops out from under me. With every syllable, my face grows hotter-- every sound, a whirl of somersaulting feelings. I feel myself gravitate toward her, till I’m so near our knees brush. The touch sends another jolt of confusion. And then, she says it:

“...Like, really like you.”

 It’s the last straw. I promise-- I swear I try to keep myself from doing it. But, as if I have no control over my own body, I take her hand. She’s still as a statue, tense the moment my fingers close around hers. My daggers are left behind me. I’m unarmed and her axe lay just behind her. I won’t lie. I do manage to think of these things before leaning in and pressing my lips to the corner of her mouth.

But I don’t think of Valerie til after.

I lean back faster than I came in, choked up despite it being the faintest kiss I’ve ever given. Perhaps it’s because it’s the most dangerous. 

“I’m sorry. I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m--” I cut myself off, pushing away from her and flinching. I’m sure she’s about to take that damn axe and chop me in half. Especially after I finish my sentence. “I’m dating someone. And I know I’m probably going to die and she just saw me do that--I know and-- I shouldn’t have done that but you are so, so pretty--but it doesn't excuse what I did--” 

My words are chopped up, like the meat Rowan just sliced. I wish I were the meat at this point. 

Christ. I am a terrible person.

The Road We Travel || Arena Day 2 || Gvenna & Rowan

[ghuerifuhgugdfdgj]

For what feels like the first time in decades, laughter bubbles in my chest. It’s weak--almost strangled--but I get through my cat-scratch giggle with a flushed face to show for my idiot noise. At least, I believe I’m flushed. My cheeks sure feel hot. Though, maybe it’s just from the small fire I’ve barely managed to get going. I watched Rowan start the fire last night, so I remember her actions well.

Composing myself, I take a deep breath and flash her a genuine smile. 

“Well, I suppose you are right. I’m pretty good with hand-eye coordination. If I could, I’d knit or stitch something right here and now.”

In response to my own comment, I attempt to move my hands. I pick out a weed next to me, leaning back from the weak flame to let Rowan finish the poor fire I’d began. I twist the roots together and work to make a small chain. Then I stop, staring at the plant.

“Oh. This is, like, a flavor thing. I mean, uh what’s the word...” I hold it out to her, “like a herb for seasoning. I spent some six hours at a plant station one of the training days, so I recognize this. It grows everywhere apparently. You can cook it on the meat so it doesn’t taste bland.”

I’m babbling again, I realize, then bite the inside of my cheek hard enough to draw blood. I hate my fluctuating feelings.

“Sorry. That was unnecessary. I just wish I was more useful to you. Even if you say it’s only a little knowledge you have, it’s helping us get through the arena. Something hand-eye coordination skills couldn’t do. I’m really, really grateful.”

The Road We Travel || Arena Day 2 || Gvenna & Rowan

[ghuerifuhgugdfdgj]

I don’t respond. My mood swings wildly between the urge to babble off fear and the need to save my breath. It wasn’t pleasant watching the deer go down. It’s much larger than a rabbit... eyes black but filled with life. Beautiful. And dead now, too. 

But I know it’s necessary. I knew when I scared it in Rowan’s direction. So I grit my teeth and, in my shifting state, collect twigs for what seems like the hundredth time. The only difference is that I’m a bit distracted by my thoughts this round. And Rowan’s bare shoulders-- though, I mean, I’m not looking. Really. 

God. I’m in the middle of a damn death trap and I’m still distracted by the stupidest things.

“I’m wishing I was born in seven right about now. Then I’d know how to do all these things,” I finally relent, confused by, well, everything.

“In eight, we have sewing tables. Which is fine. But it doesn’t help you when it comes to stuff like this.”

The Road We Travel || Arena Day 2 || Gvenna & Rowan

[ghuerifuhgugdfdgj]

A give a weak smile, then shrug my shoulders.

“Already set up over by that tree,” I say, pointing to one a few trees down from the carriage, “but I agree we should move on, I suppose. Nice spot while it lasted, yeah?”

I pull the straps of my backpack closer. Look down. Roll my shoulders. Don’t stare at her.

“If there’s anything else I can do, let me know, okay?”

The Road We Travel || Arena Day 2 || Gvenna & Rowan

[ghuerifuhgugdfdgj]

Surprisingly, I only feel tired. Not hurt, or like death, but simply tired. As if all I need is a nap.

I do not do that, though. Instead, I stay on look out, not trusting the gamemakers despite their generous gift from yesterday. The kit would be a lifesaver if we needed it. But, still, I’d rather stay vigil. 

I find ways to keep myself preoccupied for the next hour. Getting up, I move around, straying but never too far from Rowan. I attempt to build a small trap out of some of the more bendy branches laying about the forest floor. It’s a shoddy attempt; yet it turns out stable. Satisfied, I leave my work to sit back beside Rowan. And, of course, my mind and eyes wander over to her.

She’s strong. And smart. And really, really pretty.

As if I’d said the words out loud, in the same instance I think such thoughts, Rowan wakes from her slumber. Her eyelashes flutter open and I’m certain she catches me staring, so I snap my gaze to another point. She gets up and speaks. I nod.

“I tried to make a trap while you were asleep-- for an animal or whatnot. It’s not fantastic, and I doubt there’s anything in it yet, but I can try to hunt.”

The Road We Travel || Arena Day 2 || Gvenna & Rowan

“You’re weak, girl. Weak and stupid. And you’re going to die soon.”

I jolted awake, my heart pounding and my blood rushing in my ears. It takes me a minute to regain my bearings, but as soon as I do, I realize that Gvenna is staring intently at me. Did I scream? It’d been years since my nightmares had evoked an external reaction, but there was always the chance my body betrayed me.

I’m not sure how long I was asleep and I wished not for the first time that there was a clock for us to refer to. The sky is still grey, but the rain has let up a bit, thankful. Standing, I brushed myself off and picked up my axe which had fallen off my lap during my nap. 

“I need to eat. Are you good for some hunting?”

[ghuerifuhgugdfdgj]

It’s a ways down the path, but sooner rather than later, we find something other than a fork in the road. An overturned carriage, the color of wine and cracked along the side. I’m almost eight hundred percent sure some monster will leap out at us if we so much as touch the faded wood. Yet, I watch with mild surprise as Rowan starts towards it.

“Wait--” I choke, touching her arm to keep her in place. “Are you sure you want to check that out? It practically screams ‘trap’.”

Knots form in my stomach.Though, I know if she really wants to, I won’t stop her from checking out the carriage. I do my best to keep the worry off my face.

They Live || Day 2 Arena || Rowan & Gvenna

rowan-emerson:

As you bear left and continue down the trail you come to an overturned horse-drawn carriage blocking the path. The door to the carriage is closed. Do you take a look inside or do you bypass it?

[ghuerifuhgugdfdgj]

When Rowan suggests we follow the glowing eyes, I tense. My first instinct is to do the opposite. Walk the other way; evade whatever horror the gamemakers have in store for us. However, Rowan seems sure, and she is strong. So I choose to trust her. I don’t argue or complain as we trail the shadow, which eventually leads us to yet another fork in the road. I say nothing, but Rowan suggests we go left:

“Maybe best to stay by the edge of the arena... keep the wall to our backs, you know?”

It’s a smart plan, leaving me to wonder if I would have thought of that on my own. So like before, I don’t argue. We go left.

They Live || Day 2 Arena || Rowan & Gvenna

You weave in and out of the brush and trees following this shapeless mass, who always seems to be one pace ahead of you. You encounter some rabbits and other small animals but nothing seems to jump out at you along the way. It’s almost like this lead is too good to be true.

Eventually you find yourselves back on a trail near a trail marker with the number “10″ etched upon it and your guide is no where in sight. Para out your next move (do you go left or right?”

[ghuerifuhgugdfdgj]

They Live || Day 2 Arena || Rowan & Gvenna

There is no sun to greet us in the morning. Instead, a light rain taps me awake, gently prying open my eyes and reminding me of the deadly arena. Of course, that’s not the only thing I’m reminded of. I also wake to the sight of Rowan sleeping next to me. She’s very, very pretty--and very, very close. 

I bolt upright, hands flying to my chest as to keep them to myself. Every muscle in my body yells in protest. I nearly yelp in surprise at such soreness, but I clamp my tongue between my teeth, wincing at tender limbs. Damn running.

As I bite back any further hissing, I try to shake away the sleep from my head. Scan the area. Squint through my discomfort. And then, catch a glimpse of what may be a set of ghoulish eyes, peering through dampened trees. I can’t be sure though. It may have just been a trick. But all the same, I immediately hiss out:

“Rowan-- Rowan wake-- there’s-- bush. Eyes.”

[ghuerifuhgugdfdgj]

Day 1 Arena Update

Location

Nearing area 15

Allies

Rowan Emerson! 

Inventory

1 First Aid Kit (10 band-aids, 2/3 a tube of disinfectant cream, a gauze pad, a splint, needle and thread, and one tablet of morphling)

2 Daggers

1 Empty Backpack (to carry the kit)

1 Blanket

1 Bottle of Water

Injuries

Cut on Cheek

Noteworthy Events

Here Comes the Sun (Para) - Made an alliance with Rowan, thank lord.

Light it Up (OS by Rose) - We got swarmed by a hoard of bats, walked away with only a few cuts.

Settled down for the night; Rowan caught some food. I swear I’ll be more useful next time. In the meantime, I’ll share my blanket with her. 

[ghuerifuhgugdfdgj]

Rowan’s voice breaks in the middle of her speech, and I’m suddenly much more comfortable. It’s sounds cruel, yes; but now I know she’s still just a girl. She may have hurt (or killed) someone with that axe, and she may have to hurt me too, but at least she isn’t a husk of a person for it. Obviously there was a little emotion leftover. 

I’m grateful she’s strong enough to let only a touch slip through her demeanor, however. It doesn’t matter that I’m in an arena-- I will always a hard time keeping it together when others are down. 

“He sounds like a good man,” I say. Absentmindedly, I add: “I suppose that’s why you’re a good person.”

I don’t think too much on it all. I concentrate on putting one foot in front of the other. Have to be determined, if I want to pull my own weight.

Here Comes the Sun || Alliance || Gvenna & Rowan

[ghuerifuhgugdfdgj]

Thus far, I’d forgotten all about basic human needs. Food, sleep, water. All of it had been pushed to the side after stepping off the platform. Instead, my body ran on pure adrenaline and dismissed the fact that I was absolutely parched. But now, with water only a few feet away, I all but faint at the sight.

“Yes, ah, please,” I nod, carefully taking the bottle from her. I make sure our fingers don’t touch. We may be in an arena, fighting to the death, and yes I still needed to worry about her killing me (despite our alliance)-- but I was just as human as I was yesterday, and the ghost of infatuation lingered.

I take a sip and no more, quickly giving the bottle back to her. I may be thirsty, but I would not let her waste too much on me.

“Thank you,” I rasp, sobering up. 

“And if your jaw gets any worse, let me know. I really want to help if I can. And...” my voice falters. I want to make conversation, to erase the looming threat in the air. “...and, ah, I know I must have come off as rude for not asking this, though if you don’t want to answer that’s fine, but you took so much interest in my life...” 

I compose myself again.

“Who are your friends you talked about? Harrison, yeah? You don’t have to answer, if you don’t want to.”

Here Comes the Sun || Alliance || Gvenna & Rowan

[ghuerifuhgugdfdgj]

The tension in my stance remains, but I allow a whisper of a smile to pull at my lips. A few mug shots. As if getting punched were nothing. She moves closer and I don’t back away.

“Either works. I guess left? It doesn’t matter to me.” 

I finish packing away the medical kit into the backpack, slipping the straps over my shoulders. I don’t put the knives away, however, though this time it’s not because of Rowan’s menacing axe. Which, is still covered in blood. I try not to think about who’s it is. I don’t ask, either. 

Tentatively, I take a step towards her as well, glancing down at my stiff fingers and sharp blade.

“Ah, and this is just for, uh, just in case. I promise.” My voice is softer than usual, all pep tucked away for now. I don’t know if I’ll have an opportunity to use it anyway. Then, I motion towards the direction I suggested.

Here Comes the Sun || Alliance || Gvenna & Rowan

[ghuerifuhgugdfdgj]

I nod, cautious still. 

“Thank you,” I mutter. My words are barely audible.

Slow as can be, I lower one of the daggers and bend down to pick up the empty backpack and medical kit. I make sure to keep one eye on her as I do this, still uncertain. It’s a quick, shaky alliance, and if she decides do, Rowan can easily kill me. But I suppose dying at her hand would be better than biting it due to some stranger-tribute.

“I have- I have a medical kit, if you’re hurt,” I offer, though she doesn’t appear to have taken any damage. 

My weak suggestion makes me think of another pressing matter. What did I have to offer in an alliance? Hardly anything. I could tie knots and make a decent shelter. How long would it be before Rowan realizes I’m more of a hassle than an ally?

Here Comes the Sun || Alliance || Gvenna & Rowan

[ghuerifuhgugdfdgj]

Her words are sharp in my ears, ringing about as I try to fumble my way out of this. Somehow, I feel like I’ve already done something wrong. Like I’ve already tried to lunge, foolishly, at her. But I know I won’t do that. The next words fly out of my mouth.

“We can try to remedy that.”

I refuse to lower my knives, though I’m trying in earnest to be civil and docile. Even if it were a bunny in front of me, I would still feel the need to try and protect myself in this arena. Obviously Rowan isn’t a rabbit. If anything, she’s a lioness. Arched and ready. Golden haired and strong.

“We could alliance. Just for a little while. Please,” I bark out, too afraid to say anymore. 

Here Comes the Sun || Alliance || Gvenna & Rowan

[ghuerifuhgugdfdgj]

“Please don’t kill me yet,” I burst out, fumbling with the knives, still in my hands. The medical kit and empty bag fall to the ground in my frenzy, and my arms shake. The only thing I manage to do is keep a good grip on the daggers.

“I don’t-- I can’t-- I can’t die, yet. Please. I don’t want to try and hurt you, and I really hope you don’t want to hurt me.”

The stutter in my voice is pathetic, I know, but the tone I use is steadier than expected. Even though she’s lowered her axe, it still winks at me in the dull light. If she tries to kill me, I’m dead.

Here Comes the Sun || Alliance || Gvenna & Rowan

[ghuerifuhgugdfdgj]

Here Come the Sun || Alliance || Gvenna & Rowan

I’m still running.

Even after escaping the slaughter, I sprint and claw my way down the trail like there’s no tomorrow. Which, in my case, could possibly be true. If I don’t find somewhere to hide from the others, I might as well be toast. I don’t know how to fight or kill or anything other than weave a few traps. It’s a risky position to be in, but I don’t dwell now.

When I get to a crossroad, I take a hard right, hoping to lose the people who’ve been following me. Continuing down the path, I come to another crossroads. I decide on left. By this time, I’ve slowed my pace. I don’t hear anyone behind me any longer, and if I were to run anymore, I’m sure to collapse.

I walk until I come to yet another fork in the trail, somewhere marked 12. I take a moment to rest here, hiding behind a tree. This is when two parachutes come down from the sky-- one from the gamemakers, the other from… Valour. I got my sponsor.

A smile breaks across my face and I look up into the sky. Thank you thank you thank you.

In the middle of my thanks, I hear a snap. I spin, finding Rowan walking down the path I’d just come. She has an axe. A very large, sharp axe, covered in blood. For the first time, my heart beats out of fear instead of infatuation, and I stumble backward, alerting her to my presence.

“No-- wait-- I--”