Alfinians Rise

Despair

After the trial earlier this morning we were left to our own devices for a few hours while the higher ups divided up the teams and eliminated the last few candidates. Now, music and laughter seep from within the dining tent as everyone celebrates the trial's completion. Well, everyone except for me.

I should be inside with the others celebrating my new official title of Ravn, but shame and guilt fill my heart instead of joy. I figured it best to not be a downer on their high spirits and so here I am, wandering about aimlessly through the camp.

This is what you wanted... isn't it? Join the ranks and earn their trust. Use your position as Ravn to protect other Alf's while deceiving everyone. I groan, pulling on my weathered red jacket that's finally been returned to my possession.

I can feel the familiar weight shifting around on the inside, granting me comfort as I walk the shadow casted paths. A cold wind sweeps across the earth, picking up dust and sand. I pull up the hood of my jacket as though to shield myself.

Ahead of me is what appears to be an old fashioned truck, along with many other vehicles that must belong to Ravn. I walk through the rows of military and civilian vehicles alike until finding the familiar little jeep that brought Sadoli and me to this place. Placing my hands on the front hood, I hoist myself up, twisting my body so that I might lay back on the hood.

Finally alone, I slip my hand into the hidden inside pocket of my jacket, the cold metal within instantly bringing about a sigh of relief. My mother's necklace...it's still there. Thank goodness.

I pull out the delicate necklace, running my fingers over the aged leather strip attached to a small silver charm. It's been thirteen years since my mother passed away. She died giving birth to my baby half-brother, Kelin. Neither of our fathers was around so at 8 years old I found myself in charge of the life of another. And in the end...I failed.

"Shouldn't you be at the party?" A voice from behind calls out. I jump in shock before scrambling to replace the necklace back into the hidden pocket before it can be seen.

Pushing the palms of my hands against the cool hood, I sit up and look over in the direction from whence the voice came. Leaning against the car door of a midnight blue military truck stands the one and only Xayben. He stands lazily in his white button-up shirt with the top button undone, a ceremonial military issue jacket slung over his left shoulder, and his hands tucked in the pockets of his black trousers.

I shrug, "Not big on parties I guess. What about you? Shouldn't you be getting wasted with your buddies?"

"I don't drink with other people present, and I'm not big on parties." He chuckles with a forced smile. I feel the heat rising in my cheeks and furl between my legs. I'm unable to look away. Even if it's fake, his smile is still beautiful.

"I see..." I mutter. An awkward silence settles between the two of us. I find myself fidgeting with the sleeve of my jacket out of pure anxiety.

"The sky is pretty tonight, " he whispers, breaking the silence. I look up silently agreeing with him and smile as swirls of violet and green dance across the night sky in a flurry of madness.

"You're right." I sigh happily, leaning back down on the hood.

"Why become a Ravn?" He blurts out suddenly, catching me off guard once again. He seems to be rather good at that. How annoying.

"Family." I shrug, not caring to lie any more than what's necessary. He makes an 'ah' like sound in acknowledgment.

"It's not gonna be easy." He mumbles. "You may not like the person you become. You'll be expected to take a life at some point or another."