Uncharted territory [Sarella]

[Nighty the foamy squirrel]

OTHAL NIGHTBIRD
FF9900= Actions
009900= Speech
003380= Thoughts
0066FF= Other speech

[/colour][/center]

Slowly my eyes open as light comes through the window my bed was placed by. The thin sheet covering my body which was laying on a thin mattress in a relatively open room filled with other empty beds providing me with some warmth over the clothes that I had on today. The hospital, or, clinic... What we D11's would call a hospital anyway wanted to keep an eye on me, make sure the man actually hadn't hit anything important where he had stabbed me. So they kept me in for a while, the incident, or what I now call the incident took place just over a week ago now, and they had said they'd let me go soon. It was kinda boring here, I had dad visit me, and of course Eileen who was pretty upset but I made sure she knew I was okay. Though I hadn't seen much of Amity, not after the time she had said those 3 words I just faintly heard. Maybe it was just my imagination though. Surely she didn't feel that way... surely not.

I let my pale blue eyes scan my bed slowly, then around the area. The lightly run down feel to it and cold made me a little uncomfortable but at least they knew what they where doing here... My head clicks on the thought and I lift the blanket covering me up, then lowering my hand to pull up my top on the left side of my body to reveal the stitches that now held the sliced skin together. It still stung a bit, nothing compared to the previous pain but that meant it was recovering right? If the pain was going down? My body lets out a long exhale and I drop the sheet back on my body, not really caring to fix the shirt and just letting my head fall back on the surprisingly puffy pillow. Letting my head sink into it a little. It was boring, there was nothing to do here aside lay in bed, eat, go to the toilet, sleep, and repeat really. I had just got up as well, so food was probably being done. It felt weird eating everyday for a week, especially that bit of chicken that was left for me. That lasted two days... and was really tasty. I wonder who left that for me...

I try to stay focused on something though not moving my head from my pillow, my eye sight switching back and forth between things to pass the time until I am eventually looking out the window that was just slightly raised from my bed. Though not high enough to where I couldn't see tall things like trees. Their leaves blowing softly in the passing winter wind makes me smile a little to know warmth was returning, and to top that off my Pneumonia had worn off a few days ago and that was a huge relief. The coughing was putting a strain on the stitches anyway. I wonder what happened to that man though. Was he punished? For the first time too I can say I hope he was. No one hurts Amity. No one at all.

[/blockquote][/blockquote][/justify][/size]

[Sarella]

Briar Rose Strekker and Amity Strekker

[/size][/color]

Amity Talking
Briar Rose... Signing
Other Person Talking

“Amity, you have to go, he’s your friend,” Fornax says, placing the smooth brown shirt Aisling had made she’d been folding onto the little table we were selling them on. The sun was very warm today, it was obvious the little hands of cold that had broken into the District were slipping away with the month. She was referring to Othal Nightbird, a boy who only a little more than a week ago had been stabbed by my uncle. I didn’t know how to feel. On one side, my closest friend besides my sisters had been nearly killed. On the other side, the man was my uncle and he had been whipped. He surely would have been simply shot if my aunt had not bribed the peacekeeper to the point of bankrupting herself. There would be one less place to buy meat in District 11.

I feel someone grab my hand, and look over to see my cousin Briar Rose. She was deaf and blind, and currently telling me something. When she finishes, I ask her to repeat since I had not paid attention at first. Did anyone come yet? she asks. I tell her no, and she goes back to handing Fornax articles of clothing. She was amazing – all she could do. Too bad her mother didn’t let her do much. That woman crept me out, her dark attitude, the way she was never outside, always playing that piano of her’s and insisting her husband listen though he was deaf. It was strange. Rosie’s mother was blind, her father was deaf; she was born blind, and went deaf. She plays the piano too, however unwillingly.

“I don’t know,” I say to Fornax after a too-long pause, and sigh, “I told him I loved him.” Fornax laughs, and I feel color coming to my cheeks. Meredith was the one I could talk to, Fornax was too awkward to understand.

“Oh Amity, it’s called a crush, you have a crush!” she laughs again. “Amity has a cruu-uuush, Amity has a cruuu-uuush! Oh, Amity and Othal, sittin’ in a tree, K-I-S-” I stomp my foot, and grab Briar’s hand. The girl makes a strange sound as I pull her behind me in the direction of the clinic. Her mother was the only female born to my grandparents, and the woman only had one child. It was considered unfortunate to bare the Strekker name and not breed like a freaking rabbit. I keep thinking about was Fornax said, about me having a crush. Meredith giggled over boys all the time, but was this really what I had? Had I caught... oh dear Ripred no… a cootie bug? I express my thoughts to Briar as I slow down, and her usual blank expression changes to a smile. I would never be able to get over how Briar was two years older than me, yet thirty times more innocent.

“Let’s go in,” I say to Briar as we reach the door, but I know she does not hear me. She treads carefully over the wooden floor as I try to find the woman who had helped Othal before. “Hello? Hello?” I try to remember the woman’s name, but she appears before I can recall it. She makes a half smile, probably knowing what I wanted. I fix my hat, looking both ways before proceeding. I guide Briar after the woman and find the room with many beds, spotting Othal immediately. He looked better. Less pale, less shaky, not even coughing like he so constantly had before.

“What do I do?” I ask Briar, but with my hand. She tells me to go to him. Very slowly, and very quietly, I walk down the small row to him, my cousin gliding smoother than I ever would, even for someone as graceful as me. “Hello Othal,” I say, staring at him with glassy eyes, wondering what he thought of my uncle and his daughter Common. “You seem better now.” Briar asks me how it’s going, and I let her know I have no idea. It seemed so strange sometimes – how she lived in her own world, a room of darkness and silence, no communication with anyone who did not know the exact combination of pushing and rubbing on her hand that would let her know what she needed to do. Did it frustrate her? Ever?

[/justify][/blockquote][/blockquote]

[Nighty the foamy squirrel]

OTHAL NIGHTBIRD
FF9900= Actions
009900= Speech
003380= Thoughts
0066FF= Other speech

[/colour][/center]

I eventually just end up shutting my eyes again. Sleep was, probably out of the slim activity choice the most time consuming and the most entertaining. Plus the bed may not be all that comfy but the pillow was extremely soft, it was hard to not fall asleep whilst laying on it, I let out a small yawn however and stretch, opening my eyes again. I should probably stay awake till at least after breakfast. It was about 10:30 according to the clock just across from my bed. So I doubt I missed it. I just needed something to do whilst that time goes. I was allowed out my bed, maybe I should look around a bit? It looked like the kinda place to have lots of hidden holes and things. It'd be something to do and who knows maybe I will find something? I look around the room, getting up to a sitting position as I do. I needed to find a place to start first.

I continue looking around, eventually going to slide out of my bed before I hear the door at the end of the room open, then kinda slowly slip back to laying down again. I didn't want to get accused of anything I wasn't doing. Who came in anyway, my head turning towards the door as I see three figures, one seemed to leave pretty quickly and looked like the nurse, or whatever she was that had be treating me, and then there was a slightly smaller one, who I had never seen before being lead by a small girl, with almost shining red hair and a straw hat. The last one grips me the most, and a huge smile forms on my face, it was Amity! I end up staring at her as she approaches to confirm it was her, and my eyes visibly glow when I ensure myself. She had visited me! Though who was the person she had brought along with her? I let my eyesight, albeit with some struggle glide from Amity to the other girl. Trying to figure out if I had seen her before or not.

My eyes immediately spring back to Amity as I hear her speaking, her voice almost like music to my ears. I hadn't heard it in what seems like forever

“Hello Othal" She speaks first, and I go to reply before she speaks again “You seem better now" I sit up fully again instead of resting on my forearms, my feet now off the side of the bed as I stare at her, replying with "Hey Amity, and... Yeah... I've stopped coughing and they, fixed my urm, wound and stuff" My confidence quickly drops as I speak, my voice almost shrinking to what it normally was around her, quiet and shy. My mind then starts to click on what I thought I heard her say and I let my sight drop to my bare feet. Suddenly not knowing what to say. Though suddenly perk up, pointing but trying to be polite about it as I ask quietly "Urm, who's she? If you don't mind me asking..." [/blockquote][/blockquote][/justify][/size][/size][/size][/size][/size]

OoC:For some reason the coding failed >.> I have about 6 [./size] but it's up

[Sarella]

Briar Rose Strekker and Amity Strekker

[/size][/color]

Amity Talking
Briar Rose... Signing
Other Person Talking

“This is Briar Rose, one of my cousins. We usually call her Briar, but her mother and father call her Rosie. She can’t hear or see you, a deaf-blind, you know,” I look over at my cousin, who was chewing on her lip. She grabs my hand, and as though demonstrating to Othal, she asks me a question on my palm. Anything yet? Yes, I’m telling him about you. She stops chewing her lip for a moment, and blinks. I wonder if blinking felt strange to her. Perhaps not, if she was so used to it. ”You have to talk to her on her hand.”

I give Othal a slight, close-mouthed smile. Tell him I say hello. ”She says hello.” I stare at my friend, admiring his blonde hair. Briar says something, but I don’t notice. She doesn’t repeat it when I ask. I’m too busy staring at him though – wondering how he’d been for the past week or so. He didn’t look as hungry, much better than when we’d asked Common for something to eat. Not like he had when he was eating those little pieces of ham… or when my uncle threw open the door and took it away…

I glance around, noticing only three other people. An old man, a young woman, a teenage boy seeming green as spring grass, all sleeping. It felt strange to speak, as though it would disrupt the people. It was so quiet here, too. Like the death of the night after my mother died, and the peacekeepers took her body and a threw it in a grave like it was a ragdoll. I can still her the little thump, and Aisling gasping. Meredith cried, she freaked out, almost ran away. Fornax – she was crying, but not loudly. I didn’t do anything. I didn’t cry, and I didn’t speak. Callum wasn’t even there. It wasn’t until I saw Othal that I said anything to anyone but Briar…

[/justify][/blockquote][/blockquote]
[/quote]

[Nighty the foamy squirrel]

OTHAL NIGHTBIRD
FF9900= Actions
009900= Speech
003380=Thoughts
0066FF= Other speech

[/colour][/center]

I look at the older girl with slight confusion, blinking somewhat rapidly. That must be difficult, to live with no sight or audio. Maybe her touch was really sensitive now though, cause I knew blind people had enhanced senses, maybe it works even when your death? My mind begins to work in overload, trying to figure out all the different ways of coping with such a handicap before my eyes catch a movement and I look to Amity. Then down her body to her hand. Watching the somewhat demonstration of the communication and glance up to Amity as she speaks, getting semi-caught on her face as I try to drag it down back to her hand. Though I manage to catch her smile and smile back somewhat shyly. Urrrgh. Why do I get so awkward with her? It was only with her too, I know I ask that question to myself alot but still, it was somewhat weird.

I watch the hand carefully as Briar continues to press and push on certain parts of it, my head tilting as I try to figure out what she is saying, not noticing Amity was still looking at me though perking up a little and smiling as she speaks, something about her voice seemed to lift me. I dunno maybe it was because I hadn't heard it in a while "She says hello" I glance back, and smile a little more "Urm, tell her I say hey, and urm, that looks complicated" I then divert my eyes again, lowering my head but not really taking my eyes off the conversation that was going on with the hands. How would you even manage to translate that? Or remember all the series of pushes and rubs that where going on. I'd imagine it'd take some practice. Maybe Amity could teach me sometime? It'd be like learning a second language in a way. Though who would I use it on? I know no-one who are deaf and blind aside Briar, and we've just met.

I look around again, seeing the 3 people that had been here since I came in, there where normally asleep, and all except the lady stayed asleep mainly. I preferred to have my curtains shut around my bed, which where now behind my bed leaving me open. Nurse said I couldn't have it shut all the time. I didn't see a problem with it really. Though I guess if I had them shut I wouldn't have seen Amity approach, which would've added to the surprise but then again would've been a little awkward if I was getting changed or something. My mind semi-trails off but keeps focus on the two of my presence, I wonder how she had been holding up, she don't look too bad, which was good. Brair looked to be roughly in the same state as well. I hope the rest of her family was okay, District 11 was hard enough with family being ill, I knew that with mum, I wanted her to recover but it looked to be getting worse and worse according to dad. "She's a Nightbird though, she'll hang on as long as she can and try to battle through" My dad's words echo in my head. I hope he was right...

[/size][/blockquote][/blockquote][/justify]

[Sarella]

Briar Rose Strekker and Amity Strekker

[/size][/color]

Amity Talking
Briar Rose... Signing
Other Person Talking

When she was 8, Amity's entire household was sick, except her mother, but they could tell she was getting there. They coughed and spat up green slime, and had so little food that what we did get was no use. They were sure someone, if not all of them, was going to die of hunger. Surprisingly though, a neighbor came and visited one day and gave them some food. They got better, after a while, though they hadn't any medicine. Amity wonders why they didn't ever mention this place. Must have been those evil apples' doing.

Amity tells Briar that Othal replied, and drops her hand nervously. "It's very, very complicated at first, but then you get used to it and it's like habit. You end up being somewhat bi-lingual." Briar, through all of this, was actually thinking more about the boy she knew nothing about. What did he look like? Fornax had told her the boy was a blonde, but to her that meant nothing. She wanted to know what he was like. Her cousin was sort of biased, Amity liked to exaggerate. Was he really an adorable, sweet little mouse? Perhaps he was, quoting Amity.

Briar didn't think she was a world away. She could remember certain sounds. She remembered her mother playing on the piano shortly before she went deaf. She remember her mother singing to her, creating the pictures neither one of them could see. Her father would sit next to her, unable to really communicate. He was deaf and she was blind. Not much to do there. Soon she joined him though, in that realm of silence. Her dark style meant nothing, not to her already dark world. The silence. The darkness. The emotionless feeling. The disconnection with the world. Then it changed, when she learned her new language. The one that was her's alone in the empty world that she called her own.

She used to speak. She was as talkative a young child as any. If she tried to talk now, it would be weak and strange, but she could if she wanted to. The words could barely form on her lips any more, after so long. The piano was hard enough. Never hearing her mistakes or seeing the keys. But her mother insisted - instead she keep trying until she was the prodigy she wanted her to be. If she could see, there wouldn't be much to see though. The house was a void of darkness, to a point her parents didn't want their eyes to adjust. Or rather, her father's eyes to adjust. The house was quiet except for that piano her mother never ceased to play. The attitude was dark. The stories were only morbid. The clothing, well what can you say for it?

She feels forward, touching something she supposed was the boy Othal. Most people freaked out at her touch. Her hands were ice like winter in the arctic, ceramic like was her entire body and the still, gentleness might be enough to shatter a glass with a breath. The things she would tell someone, that they wouldn't understand. The story of the spiked barrel. The nude women in the fireplace. Well, better keep that to herself. She takes his palm, turning it upwards and telling him something about being hungry. He would not understand but Amity would get upset if she told her, and she had to get it out. She feels someone take her wrist and pull it away.

[/justify][/blockquote][/blockquote]

[Nighty the foamy squirrel]

OTHAL NIGHTBIRD
FF9900= Actions
009900= Speech
003380= Thoughts
0066FF= Other speech

[/colour][/center]

My arm moves to grab my left one as I partially shy away from the girl in front of me. Trying to make sure it wasn't obvious was a little hard but I felt strange near her. All the stuff we had been through together, all the things we did, like, when she stole the banana and stuff. I swear it was apples that the Peacekeepers where more jumpy about cause of the orchards around that part of the district, which surprisingly wasn't too far from where most of us here lived, had some of the best apples but I guess, food's food. I scan her a little bit, just running my eyes up and down her body though trying to keep it discreet, she was distracted with Briar though so it was slightly easier. She looked okay, she had colour, all the signs that she was probably healthy. Then again, what was healthy in District 11?

Moving to rub my stitches a little with the arm I was holding I sigh a little bit, they felt weird, and new. I wonder how much blood I lost in that interaction but before I can linger on that thought she speaks and my head perks up so quickly I almost get whiplash. Not because I got scared but cause of the fact I wanted to be polite for her. "It's very, very complicated at first, but then you get used to it and it's like habit. You end up being somewhat bi-lingual." I smile at her and nod a little. I then look for the cloak in the room, staring around the upper walls until I found it. It was strange, I knew where it was but I always had to look for it. Was that strange? Well I find it either way and smile, it was about half 10, breakfast would be soon and Amity could stay with me for a while longer. Her company was nice, well, it was already proving to be better than the last visit I had, constantly being asked if I was okay by Eileen and dad.

I suddenly feel a hand on my left arm and blink, my head shooting down to look at the thing that grabbed me, it was a hand? I follow the arm, knowing it wasn't Amity cause her arms couldn't reach me from where she was standing, I wonder if she would sit next to me? Anyway, following the arm, my eyes come up to Briar, she was looking in my direction but if she was blind she wouldn't be able to see me right? Though it was kinda creepy, and my body was tensed up, she gets to my wrist and then flips my hand so the palm is facing up and I let out a small "Urrr" As she starts doing the communication thing Amity was just demonstrating to me. I had no idea what she was saying, or trying to tell me and I look at Amity slightly bummed out. Who moves Briars hand away gently. To which I take it back and let it rest on the bed, looking between Amity and Briar confused, then speaking a little "Urm, I think she was trying to tell me something?"

[/size][/blockquote][/blockquote][/justify]

[Sarella]

Briar Rose Strekker and Amity Strekker

[/size][/color]

Amity Talking
Briar Rose... Signing
Other Person Talking

Briar repeats her message to Amity, slightly irritated. Amity drops her cousin's hand back down and sighs, running her finger over the girl's sleeve. She was not red haired like most Strekkers tended to be. Perhaps that was unfortunate, and perhaps it was a good thing. People didn't like red hair that much around the District, it seemed. "She was telling you she was hungry," Amity says, her own stomach doing a little flip. It seemed wrong to say it so loudly in such a quiet place.

"Ffff... ffff.... fuuuuu.....d," Briar says, the first half a little more than a whisper and the last bit a near shout. Amity grabs her hand and tells her off, trying to be gentle. Briar couldn't be offended though, it was just too hard to do that to her. Amity turns back to Othal, apologizing, and leans on one leg.

"Briar is one of the bluntest people I have ever known," and with that she laughs a little. She couldn't see it, but behind her the girl was making a very ridiculous face.

[/justify][/blockquote][/blockquote]

[Nighty the foamy squirrel]

OTHAL NIGHTBIRD
FF9900= Actions
009900= Speech
003380= Thoughts
0066FF= Other speech

[/colour][/center]

My eyes click to Amity's as she takes hold of her cousins hand, seeing what looked to be roughly the same message. It was really complex by the looks of it, like, as Amity said, really really complex, but she seemed to do it so well, like, when you hear someone speak another language then switch to English straight after. Though speaking in a different language was really rare now. Anyway, it was like that. Eventually though Amity drops her hand then runs a hand lightly down her sleeve, my eyes following the small hand intently as it runs up and down before Amity speaks, my gaze shooting right back up to her face to listen. It was funny, she was the only person who I actually felt the need to look at whilst she talked, was that strange? It wasn't with anyone else.

""She was telling you she was hungry." I blink at what she tells me, then "Oooh" Quietly, almost afraid she could here me, well, that wasn't a rarity really, especially in District 11, everyone was hungry at the end of the day, the Capitol taking all the food around us for themselves like a greedy child, it was stupid Why not support us? Why? What did we ever do? I try to shout out in my head, of course, if I asked them up close I'd probably get some ignorant, arrogant or snobby response. Or even all three at once. I sigh, just a small one, it was hard to annoy me around Amity, unless, of course you attack her, then it's like a raging ball of 12 year old boy, eh. I then look to Amity, then the space beside me, then her again, surely she couldn't stay standing, maybe I should offer to have her sit next to me now? Or should I wait abit? Maybe it was a bit too direct or something for the moment, plus, she had to take care of her cousin.

Suddenly my body jerks, a loud, kinda, groan coming from Briar being the cause and I look to her, then glance back at Amity, my mouth kinda open and confused. My head only coming up with "Urrrrr, what?" Something was telling me she was trying to say food, but I could be wrong, and I look to Amity for assistance really, my eyes however kinda lock onto hers even if she wasn't looking at me, and I force myself to break that lock and look down, well. That was awkward, and weird. Why did I do that? Anyway, Amity speaks, causing me to look up at her but avoid contact, if she saw it would be really awkward, the embarrassment too, Not being able to look away from her would be weeird. "Briar is one of the bluntest people I have ever known" She speaks with a small laugh at the end and I smile a little, then glance at Briar, slightly worried and slightly scared, before glancing back, and instantly holding the urge to laugh, I really shouldn't laugh at that despite how funny it is.

[/size][/blockquote][/blockquote][/justify]

[Sarella]

Briar Rose Strekker and Amity Strekker

[/size][/color]

Amity Talking
Briar Rose... Signing
Other Person Talking

Briar quickly moves to sit next to Othal, grinning ever so slightly, unaware of the look she was getting for her cousin. Amity looks back to Othal, biting her lip and wondering how he would take it. She wouldn't be surprised if he ran screaming. She knew her cousin was not dangerous, at all, but she could creep the hell out of most people. She wouln't even know it either, and when she did figure it out she didn't care, because that was who she was and she did not care what others thought, only what went on in her own mind.

Amity stares at Othal awkwardly for a moment, losing the confidence she usually gained when taking care of Briar and shoving it all into the corner of the room. Had Othal heard her last week? When she said she loved him? Fornax didn't believe it was real, and all those curious glares from Callum had to mean something. Meanwhile, Aisling and Meredith were falling over each other with how adorable it all was. For a moment, Amity catches a sensation that Briar was going to bring up the words, when very quickly Amity fends away the subject with some nice, good old depressing news.

"You don't know her, but my cousin Autumn went with my other cousin Eloise for a day, and they got up into a tree. Both fell, Autumn farther than Eloise. Autumn landed funny and died nearly instanty, Eloise is pretty beat up but she's okay. Er..." Amity hesitates to say the next part, wondering what Othal would think of the death of the girl who had cared to bring him food. "Common died as well. Shot by a peacekeeper for trying to teach him a lesson." A nervous laugh. She admired the strong will of Common, and the ferocity of her brother Rare, but since the incident with Othal the Strekkers had been very wary of these now famous-within-the-family Nightbirds. Eloise's mother had even warned her to stay away from that Eileen girl who was the younger sister to Othal.

"And also, most of my family now despises you." Another nervous laugh.

[/justify][/blockquote][/blockquote]

[Nighty the foamy squirrel]

OTHAL NIGHTBIRD
FF9900= Actions
009900= Speech
003380= Thoughts
0066FF= Other speech

[/colour][/center]

A cough escapes my form as I drag my vision from Briar to the door, my pale blue eyes observing it from a slight angle to where it didn't seem weird that I was staring at a door, the nurse who normally came with the breakfast round about this time was being late, maybe she was having trouble putting all the food together or something? District 11 didn't have the best or most food available so maybe she was trying to find more for us? It was unlikely though, why would someone go to so much effort for us? I go to look at my lap again, rubbing my right eye in the process till I suddenly feel a shift in the mattress, the feeling of someone heavier than me, which caused me to raise a tiny bit due to the mattress adapting to the added weight, it was only a small difference, but noticeable. Was that Amity? No wait, she looked smaller than me.

I look to her, just to confirm that she was still standing then to my side, slowly, noticing how she was looking beside me and as my vision slowly comes across the girl that was previously standing just beside Amity sitting on my bed I jump a little. Trying to hide my surprise however to not seem offensive, surely it'd be a bit rude to not let her sit on the bed or act disgusted, but it was awkward, and I think it was obvious that I felt so. I look to Amity almost for guidance for a few seconds before breaking the half-stare I had, slowly shifting away from her and trying not to seem too eager to move away. I kinda wanted Amity to sit there as well... Though if she wanted to its fine, it was just kinda, awkward. I look down once I finish shuffling towards Amity bit by bit, now pretty much beside her as I give her another glance from a low angle, the kinda thing people do when they like someone but are too shy to admit it. Honestly I had to be more confident with Amity, sure. I wasn't a confident person but why was I less confident around this girl? What did she do to make me like this? Come to think of it though I have always been shyer around her... Maybe it was natural?

Eventually I am holding my own hands and kinda just staring at them as they rest on my lap, waiting for something to break the silence, I should really do that more often. Speak instead of waiting. Especially around Amity, she is always the one to start conversation and I just kinda go with it. Though my mind clicks on something as I move my hands so they looked two people holding hands, my mind blinking back to the faint words I heard whilst I was fading in and out being carried by someone in white, probably a peacekeeper, no-one in this district ever really wore white aside them. Could the words be true? It definitely sounded like Amity... No, they can't be, they are several other boys our age louder, happier and more worthy of Amity, surely she can't have said that I let a small sigh out and nod to myself, yeah, that sounded right really. Then again, if she did say it...

I go to speak, not picking up on the fact that Briar wanted to speak too but Amity gets in first, my body kinda jerks in slight surprise at the break in silence and I look straight at her, my gaze somewhat a mix with admiration and focus ""You don't know her, but my cousin Autumn went with my other cousin Eloise for a day, and they got up into a tree. Both fell, Autumn farther than Eloise. Autumn landed funny and died nearly instantly, Eloise is pretty beat up but she's okay. Er..." A pause, allowing me time to process the information which probably visibly took me by surprise "Common died as well. Shot by a peacekeeper for trying to teach him a lesson." Well... My eyes widen and a mixed look of dread and sorrow comes over me. My head tries to come up with something to respond with, and struggling at that, it must've taken some guts to say that and then kinda laugh about it, death was pretty common but when it was family it was a different story. Should I say something like sorry? People seemed to do that when someone died.

"And also, most of my family now despises you." I blink, then something takes over my appearance, a mix of curiosity, offense and something else taking over and my thought process almost spews out without thought "What did I do aside defend you? It's not my fault someone got the peacekeepers..." I pause and the sudden burst of confidence instantly drains "If they hadn't I'd be dead... I'm sorry, just, urm... I just don't really think I did anything wrong" My voice drops to near enough a terrified whisper before I shut my eyes and hide my face, my mind scolding me quite viciously,
I offended her, watch, I've just blown it, congratulations Othal, had to get snappy.

[/justify][/size]

[Sarella]

Briar Rose Strekker and Amity Strekker

[/size][/color]

Amity Talking
Briar Rose... Signing
Other Person Talking

Amity's mouth turns into a little line, teeth pushed hard together as she listens. "You have done nothing but defend me, Othal. You put me first, and I don't deserve you at all." She pauses, choosing her next words carefully, fighting the urge to get emotional. There was a reason her sisters emphasized her 'youngest' status. "Th..that's exactly what they are afraid of, Othal. Th...they think we are... too close..." Her eyebrows furrow together, and Briar shifts backwards, bringing her feet up and sitting criss-cross.

"Look," Amity begins again, whispering. She sits on the other side of him, leaning forward a little and keeping her voice very quiet, "Remember when I got my limp? The first time we met? Remember when I stole that bread? Do you remember, a few months had passed and my mum died and I wasn't talking, and all you had to do was be right there, and I would talk? My sisters tried to get me to say something for months, and you did it in five minutes. You know exactly what they are thinking. When I went to get Aisling, it was because I thought I loved you. But last week... I know I do."

For a few seconds she simply stares at him, swallowing and wondering how in hell she had managed to say so many words. It was only around him she was that way. Everywhere else she could barely say hello, but if he was in the room all she wanted to do was talk to him. She did not need Meredith to interpret her "mm"s and "um"s. She did not need Fornax to get her away from bad situations. Because he was the best situation she had ever been in.

Briar moves again, this time standing up and switching to be on the other side of Amity. She takes her hand and begins asking questions, and for a minute or two Amity replies, then she turns back to Othal and her face drains of color. Had she said the wrong things? What if he did not feel the same way about her? It had been two years, butt hey were still so young. Meredith had a boyfriend once, but it lasted a week. So did Aisling, two months.

[/justify][/blockquote][/blockquote]

[Nighty the foamy squirrel]

OTHAL NIGHTBIRD
FF9900= Actions
009900= Speech
003380= Thoughts
0066FF= Other speech

[/colour][/center]

Almost waiting for a telling off of some sorts I shut my eyes, kinda expecting Amity to start justifying why her family hated me, then take their side on things. It was to be expected really, they where family and I was just some boy who came and messed things up for them. Though what gets me next takes me by surprise "You have done nothing but defend me, Othal. You put me first, and I don't deserve you at all." It was clear in her voice that she was fighting back emotion as I open my eyes again. It probably would've been a lot quicker had that not surprised me that much, she didn't deserve me? Wha? Of course she did! If anything I don't deserve her! I didn't, in my head at least. She was a goddess and I was a pauper. Then again it probably isn't healthy for a 12 year old to think like that about himself... Though the morale in the lower districts had to be low, I mean, what did we have? Food that we couldn't eat, and very little amount of money. Oh, and the certainty of a preteen-teen will get taken away and forced to fight to the death.

"Th..that's exactly what they are afraid of, Othal. Th...they think we are... too close..." I raise an eyebrow towards her, still staying quiet however as my relative thought process is broken How could someone be too close? That made no sense in my head. Sure you had to draw a line somewhere I guess, but at least I am not following her and watching her twenty four seven, and none of my family. Well... None of my family to my knowledge has anything against Amity or the Strekkers, so why where they getting all worried? I hear Amity again and look to her, my pastel blue eyes clouded with thought as she sits next to me. Well, she sat next to me finally. Though she leans forward and continues on a whisper, my body kinda naturally leaning in on her to get closer to listen. "Remember when I got my limp? The first time we met? Remember when I stole that bread? Do you remember, a few months had passed and my mum died and I wasn't talking, and all you had to do was be right there, and I would talk? My sisters tried to get me to say something for months, and you did it in five minutes. You know exactly what they are thinking. When I went to get Aisling, it was because I thought I loved you. But last week... I know I do."

Everything freezes as the last four words connect with the rest of the sentence, my body frozen as my eyes widen in a slight shock, but with clear un-felt emotion. The only words that actually get processed in my heads where Did she just say she loved me? and it repeated itself over and over again. Now, you'd think a 12 year old love would be like play date things and sharing a pear or something and that is what my frozen body begins to focus on, before slipping into our past experiences. When she stole the bread and I stood up for her, her uncle, the banana and the peacekeeper. I was on the verge of kicking him to get him away from Amity, maybe it was more serious? Maybe the love was closer that just sharing a pear. I have no idea what to say though, and I am just staring back at Amity. My eyes still wide with now a mix of happiness and confusion. What do I reply with? Wait does that mean what I thought she said last week was... True? The thought bursts into my head and my stomach flips. I needed to reply, I know I did but I was stuck staring at the girl in front of me, my face shocked, happy and confused all at the same time. My eyes picking up on the bits I liked best about her, her hair, she didn't seem to have her hat on but yeah I liked that, her eyes... I suddenly smash myself out, forcing myself to divert my stare to my lap and a huge scarlet blush appears on my cheeks right as she looks back at me. Girly yes. Though probably expected.

Feeling the bed shift again I look up lightly, noticing Briar moving to the other side of the bed to sit next to Amity. How did she know Amity was there? Maybe she felt the bed move? Surely her sense of touch had to be enhanced. Though this move distracts me for a meer second and the words "I love you too Amity" Kinda just flow out, and after about 10 seconds of just staring at my lap I perk up, roll my lips in on themselves and turn a beet red, looking to Amity almost flustered then immediately looking away I didn't mean to say that! Screeches through my head, it was true, well, felt true, but I still didn't mean to say that, crap, now things where going to be awkward, and then there was that inevitable question of "Now what?" Plus the fact her cousin was sitting right next to her, would she tell her? Things where about to get either very awkward, or very strange... Or both, always had the possibility of both...

[/size][/blockquote][/blockquote][/justify]

[Sarella]

Briar Rose Strekker and Amity Strekker

[/size][/color]

Amity Talking
Briar Rose... Signing
Other Person Talking

"I love you too, Amity," Othal says. Her heart quickens, and she begins to turn red. She hides her face with her hair, letting her hat tilt down slightly to cover the blending colors. Could he really return her feelings? Fornax would bash it all as silly. But would she? She peers at him for a moment, wondering all these things and more, wanting more than anything to have him alone. She plays with the edge of her shirt, crinkling it and straightening it in her hands. What would she say, and what would she do? Her relationship was getting serious, and she was scared. She didn't want to mature, and this obviously meant she was maturing.

Instead of saying anything, she leans over, bringing her face closer to his. If he was looking at her, he would not see her, for her face was blending into her hair like a chameleon. In love, at only twelve years old? Was it even possible? Did things like this happen, could they? Amity leans away, a smile lasting for a split second before she lets herself sink down, thinking and contemplating everything that was going to happen. Briar did not know any of what had just happened, but she would pressure Amity for details, and she would break.

Then Aisling would find out, and Meredith would hear from Aisling, and Fornax and Eloise would hear from Meredith, and her father would hear from Eloise, who would tell her uncles, who would eventually tell her aunt, who would panic, sending everyone else into panic except Meredith, who would want dating advice, and Callum would overhear, and threaten to go find Othal and hurt him. Then Amity would cry, ranting to her sisters about the situation, and a month later she would run back to Othal and do it all over again. It was so predictable, Amity wasn't quite sure if she should do the thing she so wanted to do. So she makes up her mind, leans over, and pecks him on the cheek.

[/justify][/blockquote][/blockquote]

[Nighty the foamy squirrel]

OTHAL NIGHTBIRD
FF9900= Actions
009900= Speech
003380= Thoughts
0066FF= Other speech

[/colour][/center]

I feel Amity close in on me and blush harder, still staring directly at my upper legs as the lower parts just stayed in suspension despite the fact they didn't reach the floor, my mouth felt dry and I was just confused. Could we really feel love? I mean, we where 12, and from what I hear not even adults understand what it is sometimes. Maybe this was just, a faze... No, it can't be, it only just started, maybe it was just really close friendship love? I mean, ur I don't know what I mean... I dare a glance at her, picking up on her tilted hat and covering hair. Maybe she felt as nervous as I did? Or confused, she said it too so she had to right? I glance further past her to look at Briar, thanking whatever was watching over us for her not being able to hear our conversation. It was bad that she was blind and death and all but still, at least she can't really spread it now...

My mind switches to thinking about it spreading as that passes me, oh great, dad will hear it, then he will tell Eileen and mum and Eileen will be buggy and want information and dad will be giving me advice a lot. Heaven knows with her family though. The Strekker family was huge! So if it got out on her side she will probably get a lot of pressure from her family, then that will hit me, then that will hit my family, then they will hit the Strekkers, then they will hit back and it will just turn into one massive circle. Hopefully it doesn't get like that... I mean, both me and Amity could use without it and the Nightbirds would get swamped by the Strekkers. Anyway, I look back at my lap, not knowing what on earth I should do. Just scanning the parts of my legs that I have scanned so many times I could probably tell every crease in my jeans where without even looking at them.

Suddenly I feel a small sensation in my cheek. It was almost like a kiss and I glance to see Amity retreating from where she... Kissed me. My whole face turns crimson and a look of shock takes over as I fly my face so my chin is touching my chest, trying to hide desperately as a heat flushes through my body, mainly my face though. She just kissed me, Amity just kissed me! What should I do now do, kiss back? Or would that be too upfront dash awkward? Should I hug her? Again probably awkward. My head spins through several ideas as I try to calculate what just happened. Does that mean she really does love me? I mean it was only on the cheek but still, it was something to do with kissing, what do I do now though!!! My mind screeches to find an answer though as I subconsciously hide myself more and more. Not that I was embarrassed, it was just kinda... Weird, like, it felt nice but too nice... I dunno it's really hard to explain

[/blockquote][/blockquote][/justify]

OoC: Me and Sarella are finishing this thread, which will be finished with my next reply, then we are properly gone [/size]