The Wolf's Den

Path 2: Ryland, Chapter 7: Part 2

        Tom was the first one to speak. "What do you think we need to bring?" he said. "I don't want to weigh us down, but we need what we can get, while we can get it. If the Wolfe finds out what we're doing, banding together to help you get your sisters and for us to get out once and for all, That's not in his rule book. Yes, neutral roles can move about freely, but when we band together, we get in trouble."

        "Why didn't I get the comfortable sorts of living you, Red, and Levi and his brothers got? I got only basic living."

        "There were three of you, and not all neutral in role, that would be why." Sighing softly, Tom sat on the arm chair carefully, hugging Ryland's shoulders. "You must miss them, don't you?"

        "I miss Tilli, yeah. I only hope she's alright at the end of the day, when we get there to save her."

        "We'll find them, one way or another we'll find them. Soon as we know where they are, we'll get them before the Wolfe can harm them."

        "You promise?"

        "I promise we'll get them back, Ryland, no matter what it takes."

        Leaning into Tom, she closed her eyes and nodded into his chest, hearing the thud of his heartbeat. When Tom let go, she gave a thankful, though weak smile, "Thank you, Tom."

        Tom, starting to pack clothing he knew would be useful, gave a bright, cheerful smile, humming warmly. After gathering what they needed, he looked over his shoulder to Ryland, studying her face quietly, hoping not to be noticed. She was rather pretty, those green eyes and the red hair shining in the light of the room. In some ways, it made her look angelic. However, just as he was about to say something, Red popped her head through the doorway impatiently, startling both of them.

        "Hey, you two ready yet? We've got to get going if we want to rescue people in the near future. Levi's here, but his brothers already went scouting."

        "Yeah, we're ready, Red. Right, Ry?"

        "Huh? Oh, yeah... Yeah, totally ready."

        "Good, we'll be by the door, waiting for you to return."

        When Red closed the door again, Tom grinned. "Some people, huh?"

        "Hey, could I ask you something, Tom?"

        "Yeah, anything. Shoot."

        "Do you think you could keep calling me Ry? Tilli does that when she's tired, and it's always made me relax more. I think I'll need that."

        "For you? Anything. C'mon, let's get going. We've got some ground to cover."

        Tom was the first to leave the room, grinning to her again. Ryland followed only after sighing in relief and grinning to herself victoriously.