La ballade d'une Ballerine : a Treech fanfiction

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Thirty-three Vieux Finlandais

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Delyth's heart skipped a beat, and a soft smile formed on her lips. "I think I love you too, Treech," she admitted, her eyes reflecting the sincerity of her words.

The two leaned in for a kiss, but their moment was abruptly interrupted by Treech's mother calling them both downstairs.

Treech rolled his eyes at his mother's voice, earning a giggle from Delyth. As she began to stand up, Treech pulled her back down for a sweet kiss.

Despite the urgency in his mother's voice, Treech couldn't resist the allure of Delyth's lips. The kiss deepened, a spark of heat igniting between them. Their hands intertwined, creating an intimate moment that momentarily eclipsed the looming decisions and uncertainties ahead.

Amid the heated moment, Treech's mother's voice broke the spell, prompting an amused curse from Treech. They exchanged a shared smile, reluctantly pulling away from the embrace.

Arriving downstairs, Delyth was taken aback to find everyone gathered, and her surprise deepened upon seeing an elderly man standing beside Treech's father. Unfamiliar with him, she waited for an introduction.

"Delyth, Treech, this is Old Finn, the guide we've mentioned," Treech's father explained, his tone carrying a mix of trust and respect for the seasoned guide.

The guide, known as Old Finn, was a weathered yet sturdy figure. His eyes held the wisdom of someone who had traversed many terrains, and his greying beard spoke of years spent in solitude and survival. Despite the gruff exterior, Old Finn had an innate warmth that made others feel reassured in his presence. He moved with a quiet confidence, and the stories etched on his face hinted at the challenges he had faced in the untamed north. He nodded to both of them as Delyth sent him a sweet smile.

Old Finn spoke with a weathered voice, his eyes reflecting years of experience. "Escaping to the north ain't a simple affair," he began, the weight of the conversation evident. "It'll cost you, not just in coins but in risks."

He continued, emphasizing the gravity of their journey. "I can't guarantee safety. We're talkin' 'bout crossing borders, evadin' patrols. The price is high, and I'm not just talkin' about money. I could get hung for helpin' folks like you."

As he laid out the challenges, the room grew quieter, the realization of the risks sinking in.

"What's it like up there?" Delyth spoke quietly, she'd always dreamed about the north.

Old Finn's eyes softened as he spoke, "It's a different world, dear. Wide-open spaces, untouched beauty, and a life free from the Capitol's grip."

Delyth observed the glimmer in Blossom's eyes as Old Finn spoke, a subtle smile playing on her lips. "How many people live there?" she inquired, curiosity evident in her voice.

Old Finn's gaze shifted to a more serious tone, "Not many, and that's the way it needs to stay. The fewer, the better. It helps maintain the secrecy and ensures safety. You'll be part of a small community, supporting one another in a life away from the Capitol's prying eyes."

"Why don't you live up there?" Treech inquired, his curiosity evident in the way he framed the question.

Old Finn chuckled, his eyes twinkling with years of stories. "Well, lad, I've got roots here, responsibilities to this district. But I've guided many folks to that haven up north."

"I've got a small problem," Delyth admitted, her gaze shifting to the ground as the room's attention focused on her and Old Finn raised his eyebrow wanting her to elaborate.

"One of my old friends, Coriolanus, cheated during the Hunger Games and got caught. I guess his punishment was becoming a peacekeeper here, but he isn't the biggest fan of me. He mentioned he's 'got his eye on me.'"

Finn looked at Delyth with a furrowed brow. "Coriolanus, you say? I'm not familiar with the name, but if he's trouble, we'll need to proceed with extra caution, especially if he's a peacekeeper. These journeys up north are never without risks, and we don't need any more complications."

"We need to throw him off track," Dubois stated, Treech nodded agreeing with him.

Finn nodded agreeing with him, he turned his attention toward Delyth, "If you want to throw him off track, you'll need to gain his trust. Make him believe you're on his side, and then we can proceed with our plan without him suspecting a thing."

Delyth nodded, her gaze determined. "I'll do whatever it takes."

"There's no turning back once we begin. And remember, the risks extend beyond the journey itself. The Capitol doesn't take kindly to those who slip away from its grasp."