Rebel Red Hope

22

     The structure of the camp is different from the structure of Dema. It's almost more comforting. Tasks are still required for things to run smoothly such as collecting wood, hunting, gathering herbs and medical supplies, but it's all organized in a more freeing way. The food of camp is better than anything I've ever tasted in the city, and these people, these Banditos, are more true than I could have ever imagined. Back in Dema, they were just stories shared around by those with fpe badges and elder residents, but sitting around a fire, hearing them all share stories, laughing, dancing, living, it's all so much more than the bishops could ever hope to recreate.

     Sitting around a small fire with Athem, Zeik, Zed, and Clancy, we all talk and laugh while eating,

     "Arlyn?!" a voice cuts through causing me to spin around to meet the shocked yet relieved gaze of Alex,

     "Alex?!" I echo their tone while standing up, the group going quiet as Alex walks up to me, wrapping me in a hug,

     "Thank the fucking stars you made it out of there," they squeeze me lightly,

"I so glad you made it out here," I smile, returning the hug before Alex lets go,

     "You're a fucking idiot you know that?" they gently shove me, "You give me your necklace to give to your little boyfriend-"

     "he's not..."

     "and then you tell me to run?" Alex stats shouting, "why would you do that? I thought you died!" they shove me again,

     "The bishops had caught up to us," I recall after taking a deep breath, "I knew that if I held them back just long enough, it would give you enough time to be long gone before keons sent out the search party," I explain as the memories flood back,

     "So you used yourself as bait?" Alex scoffs almost in disbelief,

     "I'm sorry," Athem interjects, looking up at me, "you did what?",

     "I used myself as bait again,"

     "Again?!"

     "Ok, lets all just eat our food please," Clancy raises his hand to get our attention,

     Alex looks back over to me, "I'm glad you're safe, but please never do that again," they smile at me before embracing me again,

     "Want to join us?" I offer, and they nod as we all sit, catching up over warm food.

     Before long, the sun had set behind the trees in the distance and camp was starting to simmer down, but something catches my eye. A stranger in an almost dema grey cloak-like hoodie that resembles more of a blanket than an article of clothing carrying a large walking staff, possibly made from driftwood. Their tape is sparse and the yellow bandana over their face is a bit comforting, but something about the way they hold themself feels off. Watching with intrigue, the person walks past the group,

     "Hello Vulture," Zed tilts his head in a taunt to the person,

     "Hello William," she responds, her voice smooth, but you could hear her smile through the bandana and tone,

     "Ew, no, I do not like that at all," Zed wrinkles his nose as he shakes his head, cringing at the name,

     "Hello to you Arlyn," she nods to me before walking past,

     "How does she-" I ask after a moment of confused silence,

     "That's storyteller," Zeik explains," no one knows where exactly she comes from but we all seem to recognize her,"