Alive

Chapter 2

I followed Scarlet her camp, it seemed covered in protective thorns, a dome of brambles surrounding the outside of the camp walls, and two oak trees stood like palace guards at the entrance. I stared in amazement as we walked in, trying to sink in every memory of this place. Once we were inside Scarlet set down a pack that she had been carrying around on her back.

"Find a place to build a bed." Scarlet said in an annoyed tone. "I'll help you build a fire at sunset, so get settled before then." She finished and walked out of her dome camp, giving me a small glance before half walking, half marching away. Once she was gone I looked around, grabbing a few supplies that Scarlet had in her camp to made a small make shift bed on the dusty ground, beside a black rock that stood on the inside of the dome.

Afterwards I decided to go and fetch firewood, since I had promised to supply Scarlet's camp with it. So I walked out of the den, glancing around for werewolves and other dangerous creatures as I went. I could see for miles just by standing at the entrance of Scarlet's camp. I could see the village I had passed before over the horizon. Thinking for a moment I figured I'd better look for firewood at the edge of the forest tree line.

I had found some small branches and a couple of twigs soon after arriving at the tree line. The smell of oak and maple trees filled my senses, as if the smell were calling me towards the forest wilderness. I shook my head in disappointment as I caught myself getting distracted by the sun setting over the horizon, quickly getting my mind back on track I whizzed away from the forest.

Soon I had arrived back at the camp, but Scarlet had beaten me there. She had already put some logs in a fire pit that lay in the center of the dome like camp, a small skylight above to let smoke leave.

"I found wood." I said blandly, putting the timber I gathered in a pile by the edge of the bramble dome.

"Well, apparently I don't need it." Scarlet hissed out at me. I glared at her before sitting the shadows of the camp. Everything was silent between us until I couldn't take it anymore.

"What's your problem?!" I ask with a hostile tone, standing with my hands balled in fists.

"With what?" Scarlet asked, obviously playing dumb with me.

"With me! Ever since I showed up here you've been... A rock or something!" I exclaim, sitting beside Scarlet once more. A cold, dark fear rolled over me at the close presence of the glowing flames in front of me.

"That's not true." Scarlet said in defense, she turned to look at me with her good eye. My old friend seemed more concerned than angry with me.

"Then what's wrong?" I ask in a calm voice. My shoulders still tensed by the glowing presence of the rolling fire. There was a long silence between us until my temper finds it's way to my stomach. "Nothing... forget I even asked." I said when Scarlet doesn't reply. I stand, my hands still balled in fists as I walked over to my make shift bed. I curled up in the wooden craft and soon fell asleep in what seemed like seconds compared to how I slept back in my old home.

I awoke from my slumber at the crack of dawn, the same crow cawing me awake once more. I rolled my eyes and groaned in annoyance before deciding to hunt. I grabbed my quiver and bow before heading out towards the river as quietly as I could, trying not to scare off any unsuspecting game. I made my way through the field towards the river, the waters rougher than before, and it puzzled me. Cocking an eyebrow in confusion at the rising and falling water I sat on the shore, grabbing an arrow from my quiver as I sat my black, wood bow on the sand beside me. I held the arrow like a spear as I scanned the water for any fish swimming about in the rough water, which was highly unlikely. My pupil took over my eyes as I scanned the water for fish, the gleam of scales in the rushing water catching my eye.