(no subject)
Nov. 24th, 2025 01:59 pmBeyond the walls, I could often hear voices, terror and curiosity warring within me. Still, I was warm and safe and I slept, my belly full, just as the young man, Lee, had promised.
On this second day, I left the security of the Bramford Building and set out on foot. There were murmurs of voices and pointed fingers, but no crack of gunfire. No screams or accusations. I moved about freely, having donned the soft hooded tunic and heavy trousers Lee had helped me to procure.
After walking until the sun was low, I found myself in the countryside, drawing crisp air into my lungs and listening to all the sounds of the forest, of which I had experienced so little during my time in North. I came upon a small, wooden building and copse of lovely apple trees. Surrounding a wooden stand were people, families not unlike the old man's, and wary, I hovered at a distance. They sipped from white cups, and nibbled small pastries, the scent of warm spices filling the air.
A young woman approached, a smile on her face. In my mind, an echo. For me?
"Hi, welcome to Darrow Orchards. Would you like to try our fresh pressed cider?"
I nodded, recalling what the old man taught me of manners. "Yes, please."
The first cup crushed in my hands, hot liquid dousing my skin. I hissed, jumping back in alarm. The woman was kind, apologizing to me as if the error had not been my own. She returned with another, along with a ring of fried dough. "Consider it a free sample," she smiled. I smiled back, though I did not entirely grasp her meaning.
The cider was warm, and the fried dough exploded on my tongue with unfamiliar sweetness.
"Mm," I hummed, consuming the pastry in two bites and wondered how I might procure another.
[[Find The Creature wandering the city, or after he's discovered at a cider donut stand in the countryside in the early evening. GIVE HIM FRIENDS.]]
