Subject: A Texan City 1,136 views

[Aldrid]

Aldrid was dozing, on the peripheral of sleep, but not quite there. something irked him. What was it? he felt like a piece of this odd world was amiss. His grip around Vasilla tightened. It felt like something was upsetting her, but he knew she wouldnt talk until she was operationable.
Aldrid let out a soft sigh, blowing her hair slightly and dozed off into a dreamless sleep.

[Admin]

She laid there drifting in and out of 'sleep' as the night passed. Unable to move much when she woke, and constantly thinking of the young boy.

[Aldrid]

Aldrid woke early the next morning, and felt his arm over someone. His thoughts automatically went to Genevieve. He kissed her between her shoulder blades softly," good morning Genevieve" he said, still incoherent. He opened his eyes and frowned slightly before he remembered that he was in the city. He sat up and looked about, rubbing his eyes with a yawn. Carefully snaking over Vasilla, getting changed throwing on the EMT jacket, using its buckles to secure the crowbar. He was thrilled at having the machete. The ka-bar took its place on his belt, and he ate a bit before cracking the window, letting in the fresh morning air,

[Admin]

Vasilla rose slowly but not as slow as last night. She had warmed up some as the morning sun had begun to peak the tree tops. She dressed herself in her now dry clothes and moved to face Aldrid. "I need to take you to someone. He needs help. He's a little boy, and I haven't checked up on him in a few days and I am worried. If he is still alive, I insist that you take him. He is alone in a house with no one to take care of him but me. And I fear that if he sees me he will be scared and that will not help. I am a monster to the child. I have done the best I can and have been leaving him food and water on the back porch of what I assume is his house. Every time I come back he has replaced the bowls and silverware and they have been licked clean. But I haven't brought him food in atleast three days and I know you humans cannot last long without water. So we must go now. and bring food and water for him." She said in a rather rushed tone off balancing the slow movements she was just having. She looked rather worried and hoped that Aldrid would agree to take the young boy.

[Aldrid]

Aldrid listened to what she was saying. He already knew he would help the boy. "Of course, I'll take care of the boy if allows me to." His mind drifted back to Gwen, and how he had to leave her. But Aldrid was stronger now, older, smarter. He could do it, and he didnt doubt Genevieve wouldnt be willing to help. She and him would take care of him. Raise him... Aldrid smiled softly at the thought, a bit amused.
"lets go then!" He strode over to the door confidantly, his backpack in place, his ka-bar, machete and crowbar already in place.

[Admin]

"Aldrid..." She turned to him. "You and I both know that it would be much faster if I carried you." She had moved into the Kitchen and was removing cans of soup from the cabinet, She took a few plastic bottle of water and filled them with the rain water from the bucket. She tightened the lids on the water and moved to behind Aldrid. She unzipped the back pack and stuffed the food and water into the bag and zipped it shut. "Now, how would you like me to carry you? Piggy back, Fireman's carry or like I had you the other day?" She asked curious.

[Aldrid]

"piggy back would be best, It gives me a chance to escape if I need it, and you can hold your balance better." Aldrid wasnt amused by the idea of being carried again, but he didnt have much say in the matter. "how far do we need to go?" Aldrid asked, letting out a soft sigh, checking to make sure everything was secured. If this boy was alone in a house, he wondered why nothing's gotten in yet. She said he was only ten, so his parents are probably dead, or one of "Them" if he doesnt have anyone to take care of him.
It wasnt "Them" he feared, but the current psychological state of the child. He wouldnt be able to survive long on his own, so it couldnt of been too long since his parents left, died, what ever their fate. A ten year old child would of gone looking for companionship by now, so something has to be sustaining him, or he's too scared. That could be dangerous, a child in fear.

[Admin]

She crouched to her knees so that he would be able to climb on easier. "I'll need you to wrap your legs and arms around me and hold on, for I will need the use of my arms." She said holding her arms out slightly away from her lithe body. "We're going almost to the city limits, it will only take me a minute or so to get us there, I have my shortcuts." She couldn't help but smile at the thought of her 'shortcuts'

[Aldrid]

He sighed softly again, walking over and draping his frame over hers, his arms locked together in a powerful vice. "you and your shortcuts" he muttered, a teasing tone in his voice, as his breath tickled Vasilla's ear.
they had to go to the city limits, so depending on where they ended up, or how cooperative the kid was, he could take him strait back to camp. to home. a sad twinge pulled at his heart, thinking of leaving Vasilla all alone out here. it kind of broke his heart, and that was when he understood, that he couldn't leave her completely alone. If they decided that they had to leave Percival, as Aldrid had thought, they could move closer to the city.
Why not live on the edge? Aldrid argued with himself. Genevieve would not leave the woods, he already knew that. But he was still needed here, and he couldnt leave someone in such a state to fend for themselves, no matter how long they've been in such a state.

[Admin]

Vasilla opened the window further and backed out the window and slid down the pipe using her hands. She didn't get that burning sensation that she would have gotten as a human. She was meant for this. Once they were on the second story she lept off of the poll. Her hands grabbed the railings of the fire escape and her body slammed into the cage that wrapped it. She felt no pain, but realized with his added weight that she would have to judge her distances better. She climbed over the fire escape and climbed up a few flights and jumped off landing on a building top across an alley swarming with Zombies. There was a zombie on the roof of this building and she smacked him off of the building like a human would swat a fly. She moved swiftly across the roof tops and the businesses began to turn into homes. She lept off of the roof of the house landing in the driveway. The neighborhood was scarce except for the few Zombies that wandered around dropping bits of flesh here and there. She knew if they caught his scent they would turn and begin their attack.
"He lives in the house down the street. I will lead you there and let you know if I smell any zombies. Then I will clear the area and we will go inside and get him." she said her eyes trained on the zombies and not Aldrid.

[Aldrid]

Aldrid gripped her tightly, enjoying the speed of which they traveled. When they stopped he looked about the neighborhood, and slid off her back, stretching a bit. He readied his crowbar, having the suspicion that he might have to bust some heads. He whispered softly to her, "yeah, but if you said is true, and he thinks your a monster, I think you should wait outside, cover the entrance while I get the boy." Aldrid was mulling over how he would handle the boy, being that if he truly did think she was a monster, how could he get him out without an issue?
Aldrid looked about him again, taking note of the kind of neighborhood.
He could easily escape, if it came to it. Hop some fences, cut through some houses here or there. He saw the large expanse of field behind the houses where they were expanding. the makings of roads, and skeletons of houses. On the far edge, he could make out the trees, and frowned slightly. That whole field would be swamp, or clay, slowing down progress if he had to run. The distance worried him, he would be too open, and the boy wouldnt be easily transported through town.

[Admin]

She could see his worried look on his face. "Aldrid, do not worry. I always have a plan." She said smiling. "Now, follow me." She said moving down the driveway and down the road a couple of houses. A zombie caught Aldrid's scent and he turned around in the road before her. She quickly made work of him. She picked him up and ripped his body in half strewing his organs and rotted flesh across the road and into the yard of another house. "You just focus on the boy, I will dispose of the Zombies." she said making sure he understood not to put himself in stupid danger. She was more than capable of taking care of anything that may cross their path. She pointed at the two story blue house at the end of the cul-de-sac. "His room is on the bottom floor in the back. The front door should be unlocked." She said making her runs around the house. It was all clear. Good. She could smell his scent from outside, and knew he was alive in there.

Theodore sat in the kitchen o the floor with the door open to the cabinets above the counter. Boxes of food were strewed across the counter. He had the broom on the floor next to him. He sat on his but with his legs crossed eating instant rice from a bag. He was so hungry and tired. But there wasn't much to eat. All the food in the fridge smelt bad, and he figured it was because the power was off. The rice was sucking the moisture from his mouth and he had no water... he had drank the last of the water out of the toilet and had nothing left. It hadn't rained so his cup would be bone dry from the sun. His stomach had stopped growling days ago. He knew he needed food. He was scared and alone and just wanted the Elvin Mistress Enathiel Gwaeth to come save him. He worried that her Clan had punished her for feeding him...

[Aldrid]

Aldrid carefully made his way up to the house. He strode to the door on silent feet and quickly turned the handle to the door, pushing it open just enough to slip in and close it. Aldrid closed the door, and turned silently, his eyes adjusting to the gloom.
He padded down the hall on silent feet, unheard like a cat in the night. He knew where the room was, but maybe the boy wasnt in his room, or there might be useful items still. He doubted there was much for food, seeing as she had to feed him. Aldrid drifted around the corner to find himself in the kitchen, suprised to see the boy sitting there eating instant rice.
"hey, dont be eating that you'll get sick. I got some real food for ya, and some water." He said gently, kneeling down and pulling off his backpack. He took out some cookies and some soup, along with a bottle of water and set it on the floor. He took a step back from it, thinking the boy might be too scared or nervous to aproach it with him that close.

[Admin]

Vasilla was making quick work of the Zombies in the immediate vicinity. She check the block and made sure nothing was close and rushed back to the house. She sat on the porch and listened to them talking.

Theodore looked up to the strange man. "Where is Lady Gwaeth?" he asked the food the least of his worries. "I didn't want to get her in trouble, I know she isn't supposed to be feeding me, it wasn't her fault. It's mine. Please don't punish her. I should be able to take care of myself. Please. She is so nice and caring. She's my best friend!" he confessed. He knew he had never talked to her, but he had grown attached to the woman-who-did-not-want-to-be-seen. "Please I will give you everything I have to make sure she is okay." He said standing up.

[Aldrid]

Aldrid raised an eyebrow at the boy. So his mind as deteriorated this much already. He's been on his own for longer than he thought. "Lady Gwaeth? I am not here to harm her, I am only here to help you. Please eat, I'm sure she's unharmed, can you tell me more about your friend?" He smiled softly, one that was kind and truthful, ready to lay his life down for the boy. "You're still young, and you've done a good job on your own so far. Whats your name? my name is Aldrid." He was talking softly to the boy, trying to keep himself from scaring the boy. Who was this Lady Gwaeth? another person in trouble? he said she was taking care of him, so he assumed it must of been Vasilla.

[Admin]

Vasilla couldn't help but smile. She knew immediately that she was who he was referring to. She had listened to him talking to his Stuffed animal named rover one night. Explaining to him how Lady Gwaeth has been bringing him food. Now that she knew he didn't think that she was a monster, but a beautiful Elf she stood and entered the house. She moved herself gracefully preparing to play the role of this child's imagination. She walked into the room, standing to the side of Aldrid. She gently placed her hand on Aldrid's shoulder.
"Lady Gwaeth!" He ran to her and wrapped his arms around her hips in a hug. Vasilla crouched to his height and hugged him. She released him and placed her hands lightly on his shoulders. "Theo, This is my friend Aldrid, we have come from the woodland to bring you back with us. Where you can be safe and under our protection." She said smiling. She hadn't felt this great in a long time, not since.... Elliot... That name... that face. Her head began to hurt. She showed no sign of it on her face.
"Theo, before we leave you must eat your fill of food."
"Okay!" he sounded more than enthusiastic and picked up the food Aldrid had sat down and moved them into the Dinning room he set out his bowls and hopped up into his seat. Vasilla sat down at the far end of the table facing him. She watched as he began to slowly eat his food. He made sure to not scarf his food down again. The last time he did that when he was hungry he become very sick to his stomach.
"Can either of you do me a favor. I'm to short to get it down. But there is a jar of instant Gatorade mix in the cabinet next to the fridge. Mommy says it keeps you hydrated and gives you Electrolytes." he said laughing at the big word he could not understand. Vasilla was still focused on the boys features. This was the first time she had really seen him His freckles were adorable and had amazing contrast against his vibrant blue eyes. She was entraced by this young boy's beauty.

[Aldrid]

Aldrid smiled softly at the boy, amused at the thought of being an elf. Aldrid got up and stealthed over to the counter, easily reaching the gatorade. Aldrid knew that electrolytes would be good for the boy, but gaterade dehydrated you because of the salt content. Aldrid picked up the instant rice from the floor, tying a knot in the bag. Aldrid quickly placed it in the back pack, removing more water, knowing that he'll need it after he drinks his gaterade.
Aldrid prepared the drink and set it beside him carefully he looked at "Lady Gawaeth" and said in a soft voice. "My lady, I shall go watch the entrance for any intrusions." He bowed at the waist, and with that, stalked silently to the door, again as quiet as a cat, and somewhat with an odd grace. Aldrid held his crowbar steadily, not the weapon of choice for an elf, he mused. He wasnt cynical to the boy, after all he was just a child. Aldrid looked out the window, and muttered softly to himself. "This ugly yet beautiful world..."

[Admin]

She was about to protest, seeing as she had disassembled all the zombies on this block. She let him walk out. She watched the boy finish his food. When he finished she helped him pack up some clothes into his school back pack. packing his winter clothes and some shorts to wear if it got too hot. She opted out on the underwear. figuring he should get used to not wearing any because they would eventually break or tear and become not useful. Either that or he will grow out of them. After packing his things she led him out front. He pulled on her arm. "Lady Gwaeth, you can't go outside, there are monsters..." he warned her, not realizing that she had to be outside to get here in the first place. "Oh, Theo. Thank you for your concern but we will be just fine okay?" she promised. "Okay." he agreed.
She opened the door and led him out onto the porch. "Now, I want you to stay with him and follow me but stay at a distance okay?" she looked to Aldrid. She was trying to convey the message that if either of them were hurt... Pissed would be an understatement for how ungodly angry she would be. She led them down the steps and onto the street.
Theo looked to Aldrid holding his hand out. Wanting Aldrid to hold his hand while they walked.

[Aldrid]

Aldrid nodded to Vasilla in understanding. He kneeled down and gently picked up the boy. "dont be afraid, we're going to protect you, alright?" he carefully went to the bottom of the steps, taking being extra caucious now that the boy was in his care. "Close your eyes, Theo"he spoke i n a gentle voice. That was the name he had heard Vasilla use, so assumed it was his. How did she come to learn of the boy?
Aldrid wondered about all the possible escapes, now that he was carrying the child. At least he could run, but its not like he could climb or anything. Aldrid was glad he had thought to grab the EMT jacket. He silently made his way through the streets following Vasilla, his arms a protective shield for the boy, blocking out the world.

[Admin]

Theo held on to him and did as he said shutting his eyes.

Vasilla did her best to dispose of the Zombies quietly, making sure to chuck them a good distance so that if he opened his eyes he wouldn't see much. Then she realized how ridiculous this was. They couldn't protect him forever from these sights. He needs to learn how to defend himself, and to be able to stomach gruesome things. She wanted to tell Aldrid, but she knew he would not have it. She led them through alleys in between houses.
The journey back was going to be a lot longer on foot, and far more dangerous. She thought that she could carry both of them, especially if they ran into trouble. But if she carried them she would burn through energy, and she would have to feed. She knew feeding from Aldrid again would make him sick, and she knew she would not do that to the boy. She would have to use her last known human in her territory. She had been holding out for some time. Waiting to gorge herself, because she had been searching out new territory.

[Aldrid]

Aldrid carefully made his way through the streets, sensing her impatience. She should be taking the boy, he thought, and he could catch up later. He strode up to her once it was clear and gently tapped her on the shoulder. His scent was stronger than the boys, cause of his size, he assumed, so any of "Them" would be more prone to follow, not mention that she could envelop the boy with her own. Maybe with that strange sweet smell he smelt from her once in a while. He remembered to adress her as the boy assumed she was, which still amused him. "My lady, maybe you should take young Theo, make your way back" he whispered softly, explaining his thoughts to her. they could move faster this way, and he would have a greater chance of survival on his own, he would be safer with her too.

[Admin]

She knew what he meant and would not leave Aldrid by his self. She grabbed Theo under his arms carrying him like under her arm. Without a word she grabs Aldrid the same way. "Theo close your eyes and breathe deeply okay?" she felt him nod in her arms and without giving Aldrid time to speak she launched herself forward. Zipping past houses at a decent speed for the weight she is carrying, around 30mph she gauges. She weaves in and out of the Zombies before they have time to realize fast food has just passed them. She stopped at the drain pipe hoping that it would take a few seconds for the Zombies to start realizing what was going on. She moved Theo to Aldrid. "Hold him".

[Aldrid]

Aldrid held Theo tightly, deciding not to argue with her. How she was going to climb was beyond him. He said then, " dont take us both! that pipe wont hold, it barely holds my weight. Take him first, I can climb on my own!" he hissed his words just loud enough for her to hear. at least if it came to it, and she couldnt make it back down in time, he could fight, or hide. He struggled a bit in her grasp, careful not to drop the boy. They couldnt afford to waste time, and "They" were already shuffling their way here.

[Admin]

She growled frustrated and grabbed Theo to hold him. She made a running start and jumped up her feet slamming hard onto the grating of the Fire escape two stories up. It began to give a little and she threw the boys onto the top of the stairs, knowing that it was about to break through. The metal snapped underneath of her just as they landed on the stairs and she fell through. Her nails scraped the wall as she fell "GO!" She yelled and in a last second attempt she tucked her legs up and pushed off of the wall as hard as she could. She was now flying upside down towards the pavement below. Her hands reached out and she back hand springed into a zombie. She lept up and began making her way back up to where she had left them, hoping that she had done no damage to them.

Theo landed on the platform above the stairs, the jolt opened his eyes and he watched her fall through the grating. He gasped clinging tightly to Aldrid burying his face in his Jacket. "Lady Gwaeth!" he cried.

[Aldrid]

Aldrid pushed himself up with one arm, the blood trickling down his face from where it connected with the platform. He shook of the bluriness, "It's alright, Little one, She can defend herself. She will be joining us shortly." Aldrid carried the boy up the rest of the way to the window. "Theo, I'm going to jump across okay?" he took a step back, but his foot sinking in a bit through a rusted spot, enough to cut through his jeans. He hissed in pain and pulled it out carefully, ignoring the burning pain from the metal. Holding Theo tightly, Aldrid jumped across, Barrel rolling through the window, holding him protectively. He felt a sharp jarring pain in his arm, as he landed with a skid. He winced in pain as he heard the bone below his elbow make an audible snapping sound. his vision blurred from the pain, but he wasnt done yet. He let the boy go, and pushed himself to a sitting position, carefully stripping off the jacket, to reveal an irregular jut in his skin, and deep bruising. "T-theo over there on the bed, there is a small bag, get it please, and t-the wooden spoon in the drawer." He was talking calmly, fighting back the pain. He had to reset his arm, and quickly or it could get worse.

[Admin]

Vasilla launched in through the window landing just before him. "Aldrid." She spoke with her teeth clenched tight. Not only was her throat burning badly but she knew he was hurt. "Theo, will you do me a favor sweety and go sit on the kitchen floor and plug your ears?" she asked in such a sweet tone. Theo nodded stopping what he was doing and sat on the floor.
Once she knew he couldn't see she pushed Aldrid on the bed and sat on top of him so he couldn't move. She grabbed hold of his arm, making it clear she was about to reset his arm like a fucking video game. "You ready?" she glared at him

[Aldrid]

Aldrid nodded, closing his eyes. He bit his bottom lip, anticipating the pain. He knew what it was like, along time ago to feel his bone being reset, and he didnt like it. It wasnt Aldrid's fault he broke his arm, he wasnt about to toss the boy in, and he couldnt be careful, or he would of fell out into the street.
"j-just do it." He said through his clenched teeth, the pressure of her hands just being on it was sending needle like pain up his arm.

[Admin]

For a split second Vasilla exerted a great pressure as she pulled the bones apart so she could set them. She felt it lock into place and released him.

[Aldrid]

Aldrid clenched his teeth together, a slight creaking in his jaw as his teeth slid across each other. he gasped in pain, moaning a bit. Aldrid arched his back, slamming his free hand into the matress hard, but refused to say a word. he sat there for a moment, waiting for the pain to dull. He opened his eyes, wiping away the slight tears.
"D-damn..." he whispered and groaned loudly. Aldrid sat up carefully, wiping sweat and blood from his face. He paced about the room, limping, trying to focus on the things around him, rather than the pain, gently brushing his fingers along the objects in the room. He sung to himself. Aldrid sung the first song that came to mind:
" lying in my bed I hear the clock tick and think of you,
Caught up in circles, confusion is nothing new,
flash back warm nights, almost left behind
suit case of memories, time after some time,
you picture me im walking too far a head
you're calling to me, I cant hear what you said
then you said, go slow, I fall behind.
the second hand unwinds.

If you're lost you can look and you will find me
Time after time.
If you fall I will catch you, I will be waiting
time after time
If you're lost you can look and you will find me
Time after time
If you fall I will catch you, I will be waiting
Time after time."

He continued his song, flinching a bit in some parts, his voice wavering on some notes.

[Admin]

Vasilla moved to Theo letting him know he could come out. "Aldrid, while you slept last night I packed some bags for you to take back with you to your camp." She said motioning to the two large, both very heavy Travel Suit cases that were stuffed with clothes and a few surprises.