Stargazing With Beilah

Outside

Kyle had never experienced any world outside of the Horde. He had grown up in the Fright Zone, surrounded by the others within and no one else. He'd never had many friends or many experiences, and, if he was being honest, he didn't know if he ever wanted that to change. The prospect of stepping outside of his carefully built-up comfort zone terrified him. The outside world terrified him. As far as he knew, danger lurked around every corner out there, with princesses wielding horrible weapons and powers to use against one another and the rest of the world, spreading their overbearing reign of power. Kyle knew no truth of the outside, but the lies that had been spun for him at a young age had tormented him with fear for years. He had no intention of ever leaving the Horde if it meant facing the terror of the outside world. 

Bell, however, had a completely different sentiment. She had been planning her escape with her friend for several weeks, even going to far as to sneak out on multiple occasions to see what was out there before even speaking to Kyle about it. Bell understood fear well, she knew why Kyle was scared, but she would be damned if the two of them were forced to live the rest of their lives within the frigid walls of the Fright Zone. 

Eventually, though, with many reassuring words and promises of safety outside, Kyle and Bell reached an agreement. They would leave the Horde and they would see the outside world. Despite the fear that wracked Kyle's being, he knew there wasn't much that the Horde had to offer for him. If the world outside was even slightly similar to the way Bell had described, it would be a step up. He had been terrified, but, once they left, neither of them could imagine ever going back. 

The rest of the world proved to be far less terrifying than Kyle and Bell had been brainwashed into believing it was throughout their lives. People rarely attacked them out of nowhere and peace seemed fairly consistent unless the Horde did something. They had opportunities they had never had in the past- chances to meet new people and live new experiences- and the food? A hell of a lot better than the brown and grey bars of bland mush they had eaten daily while under Horde rule. 

Simple things brought the two of them joy. Standing in a lightly rippling stream, letting the cool water slosh over their ankles as they peacefully wade across the path of water. Getting caught in rainstorms together. Going on hikes through the forests simply to see the plants and animals within. Attending parties and festivals, surrounding themselves with culture previously unknown to them. They had never anticipated having a life together in which the two of them were not only free but fulfilled. They had never imagined a world outside of the Horde, but there they were. 

Freedom was liberating and, just like in the books, tasted amazing. 

Got distracted halfway through because I'm a mess and this spiralled into... whatever this BS is. Sorry. LASDKjf.