Venom (Book I) ✓

Chapter Five

"Ruby."

The young man turned, eyeing Ruby in confusion. "What?"

"My name. It's Ruby."

"Okay?"

"Now, generally, you would share your name." She prompted patiently. Her voice was light, and he turned to her, vaguely surprised by how kind she was being about this.

"Ah, Ulric. My name's Ulric."

"So, where are you from Ulric?"

"Nice try." He smirked, shaking dark hair from his eyes, "I'm just here to keep you alive. Not to make friends."

"But why?"

"Why what?"

"Why keep me alive?" Ruby asked, rolling her eyes, "Why bother?"

"I don't have anything better to do." He answer with a nonchalant shrug.

"You do realize that I may well have to die, right?"

"That's none of my business."

"But, didn't you just say--"

"Listen Red," He interrupted, rounding on her sharply, "I'm just along for the ride. I'll get you to the big, bad beastie, but after that, I'm out."

"Ruby."

"What?"

"My name is Ruby, not Red."

"Whatever. The point is, I'm just curious what kind of beast you got yourself all tangled up with. That's it."

"Point taken." She hissed, and they began walking once more in silence.

Ruby was acutely aware of the sound of her footsteps, so loud and clumsy compared to his. In fact, his seemed almost silent. She considered this as they walked, stealing glances at the way he carried himself in an effort to learn his technique. 

Finally, he took notice of her furtive looks. "What?" He growled irritably.

"How are you doing that?" She asked, barely taking notice of his gruff tone.

"Doing what?"

"Moving so quietly." She stated, and when he looked at her there was no judgment or ridicule or sarcasm in her face. All she offered was sincere curiosity.

He softened slightly, then answered with a slight shrug. "I don't know. I've just always done it I guess. You have to out here."

"It's incredible." She noted, now openly watching him walk.

She did not fail to notice how uncomfortable he got under her scrutiny. His gait shifted, his hands and shoulders tightening. Finally, he spoke, "So, ah, we should...Stop. Get you some water. Maybe something to eat." He stammered, brushing a hand through his long, messy hair.

She nodded, slowing slightly. "I was given some food, I would be happy to share."

He eyed her uncertainly, then nodded, "Sure, why don't we stop just up here. There's a clearing. Lots of sunlight."

She nodded and allowed him to lead her into the indicated clearing. As soon as she stepped into it, she knew the place. Sunlight showered down around her, warming her pleasantly. The trees here didn't sway like they seemed to on the path behind them. They stood tall and proud and steady, offering shade without totally blocking out the intoxicating rays of light. The ground was soft and blanketed with dead and dying leaves, giving the floor a vibrant mix of colors. Golds and browns and reds and greens mixed in a stunningly simple mosaic.