anmo

III.

Seems like the rain will come sooner than expected.

"El, you should go home now, or you'll be caught up in the rain, and you know how less friendly the roads here become during this season."

"That's why people shouldn't have voted for those bastard politicians. They had the time and money to have that stupid-looking statue of the historian who have altered the facts that we're supposed to know, yet they don't have that same level of attention towards the actual needs of the people. If it weren't for you, I'd probably stay blinded too about the... I'm sorry. I spoke without thinking again."

"How many times should I remind you that there's no need to be wary about such topics around me. We've known each other for years now and you're still skittish when it comes to stories on wars and histories of the forefathers. I could have enough money by now to buy a new tractor if I'd ask you for money every time you act like that. Stop holding yourself, okay?"

Instead of looking directly at each other, Ellise decided to focus on the Ragyon peels in front of her, trying to distract herself from talking more about things that seem sensitive on Elka's case, but her worrier side took the reins and after huffing loudly, spoke without the need for a response. Just the need to let it all out for her friend's sake.

"When I saw you crying during that day, I got scared. You were always the tough one, and you never let pain or pressure break you, yet you were bawling like a child after hearing the news. I would have melted a long time ago if I were in your shoes. You don't need to keep everything in, you know? It will be much easier to let us carry half the burden for you. If one day we end up on our knees and broken, we won't blame you."

The only response she got was a soft smile, though display of hesitancy can be seen through her downturned eyes, chocolate brown irises seem clouded with fear, of what or whom, Elisse would only understand if the other opens about it herself. And she doesn't want to be forceful about it either.

"We will be waiting, alright?"

Nodding in return, Elka looked for a parka that she can let her borrow as their conversation took longer than she expected, and they've all been helpful towards her, with constant reminders sent her way, that it has been ingrained in her mind to ensure their safety as well.

Both their attention was pulled however by the sound of metal hitting stones, and worried that a Meeson in the area had come across the dividers built and rammed onto her bike, Elisse ran outside without thinking twice but what hit her mode of transportation in this part of town is not a beast, but a mere human, skinny and pale in complexion, mouth and hands covered in shades of cobalt blue.

He seemed to be lifeless, but the little twinges and mumbles say otherwise. Despite of his clothes in tatters, or of his arms and face filled with bruises and cuts, the quality of the cloth indicates that he's somehow quite well-off in life. Or something he does for a living requires him to wear such. But they'll only know the truth if they'll hear his tale, as the styling is not that of a local but of someone from across their lands.

"Prepare some linens, I'll carry him inside."

"What? But Elka, we don't know that person, and with what I'm seeing now this will only bring nothing but trouble! Can you choose self-preservation more?"

Without thinking twice, she proceeds with checking the stranger's pulse and tapping lightly to get a reaction and to know if there's any mortal wounds that would need more than attending than what they can provide, knowing how far they are from any clinic or centers that can cater to such inflictions. For now, to act first is the best option.