The Ashen Rebellion

28 | A hunger

THE FIRST DAY AFTER,  opening Finn's home to the bandits, the house was a cacophony of new voices and movements. Nyssa woke to the sound of soft murmurs and the clatter of makeshift dishes being prepared for breakfast. She felt a sense of purpose, a drive to ensure their survival, yet also a pang of loss for the solitude they had briefly enjoyed.

Thaline was the first to greet her, her eyes shining with gratitude. "Good morning, Nyssa. Thank you for letting us stay."

Nyssa nodded, her voice hoarse from sleep. "It's Finn's house. You should be thanking him instead.'' 

The day was spent organizing their limited supplies, each person taking turns to spar and train. Nyssa and Finn led the sessions, their bodies moving in tandem as they demonstrated techniques. Every punch, every kick was a testament to their determination.

The dynamics of the house changed drastically as the days progressed. The bathroom became a battleground of its own, each person vying for a few moments of privacy. The walls, once silent, now echoed with the sounds of life—laughter, arguments, and the occasional sob.

Food was the biggest challenge. Portions grew smaller and smaller until they had to ration what little food they had left. Hunger gnawed at them, but it also fueled their resolve.

Nyssa took charge of the training, her voice commanding as she led the group through exercises. "Push through the pain. It's the only way we'll survive."

On the third day, the sky was a blanket of gray, casting a somber mood over the house. Elara, shy and reserved, approached Nyssa hesitantly. "Can you show me how to defend myself better?"

Nyssa nodded, offering a rare smile. "Of course, Elara. We'll start with the basics."

They spent hours in the makeshift training area, Nyssa patiently guiding Elara through each move. The young girl's determination mirrored Nyssa's own, and it filled her with a sense of pride.

By the fourth day, the house felt smaller, the walls closing in as the reality of their situation set in. Tarry and Sam worked together to fortify the entrances, creating barriers to keep them safe from potential threats.

Nyssa and Finn continued to lead the training sessions, pushing everyone to their limits. The bond between them grew stronger with each passing day, their shared experiences forging a connection that felt unbreakable.

The fifth day brought with it a sense of routine. Each morning began with a sparse breakfast, followed by hours of training. The afternoons were spent hunting for food, a dangerous but necessary task.

Nyssa and Finn ventured into the forest, their movements silent and coordinated. They returned with meager supplies, but it was enough to sustain them for another day.

On the sixth day, tensions began to rise. The lack of food and the constant training took its toll on everyone. Arguments broke out, voices raised in frustration and fear.

"We need to find more food," Sam said, his voice strained. "We're not going to make it at this rate."

Nyssa nodded, her mind racing with plans. "We'll split into smaller groups tomorrow. Cover more ground."

The seventh day dawned with a renewed sense of determination. They split into groups, each tasked with finding food and supplies. Nyssa led one group, Finn the other.

The forest was unforgiving, the air thick with tension. Nyssa's group returned with a few small animals and some wild berries, while Finn's group found a hidden stash of supplies left behind by fleeing villagers.

By the eighth day, their training sessions had become more intense. Nyssa pushed everyone harder, knowing that their lives depended on their strength and skill.

Elara, once timid and unsure, had transformed into a fierce fighter. Nyssa watched with pride as the young girl sparred with Tarry, her movements fluid and precise.

The ninth day brought with it a sense of camaraderie. Despite the hardships, they had grown closer, their shared experiences creating a bond that felt unbreakable.

They spent the evening around a small fire, sharing stories and laughter. It was a brief respite from the harsh reality of their situation, a moment of normalcy in a world turned upside down.

On the tenth day, the Enforcers' presence grew more pronounced. They made their rounds more frequently, their voices echoing through the empty streets.

Nyssa and Finn led the group in drills designed to improve their stealth and evasion. "We need to be invisible," Nyssa said, her voice firm. "They can't find us."

By the eleventh day, the food supply was critically low. They were forced to ration even more strictly, each bite a reminder of the dire situation they found themselves in.

Nyssa and Finn ventured further into the forest, their hearts heavy with the knowledge that they might not find anything. But they couldn't give up. They returned with a small haul, enough to keep them going for another day.