Waiting and Wondering - Closed

[Sallacia Crystal]

SALLACIA CRYSTAL

The door of Sallacia's house banged as she ran from the Seam, taking her brother's bow and arrows with her. She was not happy about the fact that her Mother and Father had only now decided that she was not allowed to visit the Hob anymore. What else was Sallacia going to do now? Not only did her only friends trade and spend their time at the Hob but the family made their living there too. What else was Sallacia going to do to contribute to the family?

Finally, the fence came in sight and, as there was no hum of electric to be heard, Sallacia rolled underneath it and took off running again. No one was going to catch her, not even her brother who was bigger than she. She was smaller and faster, making it easier to navigate the small paths between spiky trees. Footsteps sounded behind her and then a wounded cry, "Sallacia!" Ahmet yelled and she let a tear fall down her face. No, her brother could not bring her back, not now.

As soon as she had traveled far enough, she reached a small pond and Sallacia fell to her knees, scooping up the water into her mouth. When she looked around, with a cry, she spat out the water and realised that it was stagnant. Oh God, her family just couldn't afford for her to throw up the little food that she got.

Sinking back on her bottom, Sallacia pulled up her knees to her chin and began to run her fingers over one of Ahmet's homemade arrows. He had made all of his weapons himself and Sallacia knew that he had put his blood and tears into. No, nothing was going to make Sallacia feel guilty for running away like she had.

Suddenly, she sound of branch snapping startled Sallacia and she practically threw the arrow to her bow and drew back the string. This may be dinner of death.

"Who's there?"

[Sarella]

Throwing my hands in front of my face, I call out, "It's me! Don't shoot! I won't hurt you!" I jump behind a tree. Why did I come out here? Already I've been found once...if that were to happen again...no. I won't think about that.

Peeking from behind the tree, I come out. "What're you doing?" I ask suspicously.

[Sallacia Crystal]

Sallacia looked up at the newcomer, still keeping her bow raised, her heart beating inside her chest and her pulse racing. Wait, maybe the girl was someone from the same school as her. Yes, Sallacia recognised her as the name of some ancient spice; Peprika? Maybe...

Finally, with a sigh, Sallacia placed her bow onto the floor and then went back to the pool, washing her hands again, dipping them in the cool water. Why should she tell the girl why she was there? Fine. She would give her the benefit of the doubt and say that she was just curious, not suspicious.

"Well, I needed to get away for a while," she sighed and then eyed the girl, "And why are you here?"

[Sarella]

"Same." I mutter, walking to her. "Sallacia, right?" I ask, and push my hair behind my ears. I wonder for a moment why I didn't bring a weapon, but getting caught isn't on my worry list.

"I'm Peprika." I say, trying my hardest to make conversation. I'm usually terrible at this, unless it's about a rebellion. "Do... do you come out here often?"

[Sallacia Crystal]

Why had Sallacia even spoken to the girl? She didn't want anything to do with her and she was tired of having to talk to people about things she didn't want to talk about. Small talk was something of a joke to her but she was going to have to talk to this girl. Why oh why oh why?

Sallacia looked up at the girl, "Yes, it's Sallacia but call me Lacey I guess," she sighed, "Yeah Peprika, I've seen you around school."

Maybe the girl wouldn't notice the hair over the left side of her face. It was there to conceal her scar.

"Oh, I'm here because I like to hunt," she told the girl. No, she would not be making the conversation. If the girl wanted to talk, she would have to do it herself.

[Sarella]

I looked around, trying to think of a subject. I've heard people like talking about weather. I'll try that. "The.....weather is nice?" I say, half asking, but not meaning for an answer. "Very cold though.... I guess." I'm rethinking talking to her.

Backing up a few paces, I lean against a tree.