The Arena

The Decision

Acadia sat, deep in thought, legs hugged into her chest, in her stall in the market. It had been two days since they fixed the window at the school. Acadia hadn't gone out to the stand of trees last night, so she hadn't slept. She'd been in the market since dawn. Elliot plopped down next to her, yawning. She didn't move. They sat in silence for a long moment.

"Could't sleep?" he ventured.

She shook her head, still silent. Elliot yawned again and rubbed his eyes. He laid back against the side of the stall, hands clasped behind his head. They sat there for a few more minutes until, finally, he couldn't take it any longer.

"Okay, Acadia, what's wrong?" he sat up, leaning towards her. "This isn't like you."

She blinked, eyes still focused faraway. He threw his arms up in the air and sighed angrily. Just as he was getting up to go back over to his own stall, she spoke.

"I've been thinking about what Karina said," her voice was small and distant.

Slowly, he sat back down, crossing his legs. "About what? About your 'powers'?"

She shook her head. Elliot took in a deep breath and opened his mouth, but stopped when Acadia finally met his gaze, her eyes gleaming ocean green.

"Haven't you ever thought about what's out there, Elliot?" she said eagerly. "I know how you feel about all the travelers that pass through on their way to the cities, but... isn't there a reason for them going?"

His eyebrows drew together, disbelief carved into his face.

"Acadia, are you seriously considering her offer?" he scoffed. "If you leave, who knows if you'll come back? Who knows what could happen to you?"

"Elliot," she said calmly, "my parents could be out there. I need to at least try."

Suddenly, he fell quiet.

"Elliot?" she asked hopefully, but he looked away from her. "You know I can't stay here in Fendalen forever. Come on, you can't say you don't feel the same way, at least a little bit."

"Yes, I can," he said icily, not meeting her gaze.

"Elliot-"

Suddenly, he was on his feet. "Go ahead. I can't stop you," he looked back at her, eyes suddenly cold. "Leave."

He turned and walked away, adding over his shoulder: "Have fun with those murderers at The Arena."

Acadia stared after him, searching for something to say and failing. Finally, she ducked under the counter of the stall and hid her face in her arms.

Karina hurried to answer a sudden banging on the door of her motel room.

"I'm coming, I'm coming!" she shouted.

And there in the hallway, tear-streaked and panting, was Acadia. They stared at each other for a long moment before, finally, Acadia nodded. Karina's confusion evaporated, replaced by a wide grin.

Karina led her into the tiny room. She crouched down and pulled a giant leather bag out from under the bed, dropping it on a small table. She looked up at Acadia, eyes glinting, then turned the bag over and emptied its contents onto the table with a clatter.

"Take your pick."

Acadia gasped. Glinting daggers, enchanted rings, glowing gems, arrows, a crossbow, an axe...

"We'll get you something better when we get to the city, but in the meantime..." Karina said casually, walking over to her bed.

"Wait, wait," Acadia said hurriedly, backing away from the pile of weapons. "This is all really sudden. I need you to explain some things first."