Spring 23, 511 AV Cara was sitting atop a low hill, beneath a darkening sky. Dark-grey, fluffy clouds were rolling in, and threatening to pummel the icy city with another layer of fresh white snow. The sun was poking in and out of the clouds, constantly fighting for dominance over the darkening sky. Cara was watching Darren running around and around in circles, farther down the hill, much like a chicken with its head cut off. He must be training again, Cara thought, as he passed her the fifth time. His footprints had left messy marks of up-turned snow, gone grey and black at the edges, from the dirt and grime that had lodged itself beneath his shoes. He always seems to be working out these days. The air was crisp and cool, and nipped at Cara's nose. The Vanthan girl was growing colder now that the sun was lost behind the clouds, and for the simple reason that she wasn't moving. Cara pulled her cloak more tightly around her as she shivered, and watched Darren's dark hair whiz by again. Who is he trying to impress anyway? Cara wondered, as she ran her right hand absently through her hair. Or is that something he does for himself? Cara sighed. Or maybe guys work out all the time simply so the other guys can't beat the crap out of them. Cara giggled. In such a case, it was difficult not to think of Berus. After all, everyone picked on the pathetic Snowsong, herself included. It took Cara a few minutes to get her laughter under control. "Oh Berus, what a sad excuse for a human being," she mused, as Darren passed her once more. Darren seemed to be growing tired. At least, he was starting to slow down after his first few laps. His legs seemed to drag. To step into the snow he had already flattened beneath his feet, only to stagger out of them, with clumsy steps. Scattering the snow that lingered between the spaces between each of his marks. His arms seemed to be swinging less forcefully with each of his steps, as though he were losing his will to keep propelling himself forward. His face, which was usually rather pale for one of their kind, seemed to be darkening, and turning red about the edges. Cara simply sat and watched the younger Vantha go before an idea came to mind. Her eyes sparkled and she smiled wickedly. Cara slowly brought herself to her feet, and dusted the snow off her body. She would propel him forward. "Hey Darren," she called as she began to head down the hill towards his level, "wait up!" Perhaps he hadn't heard, or simply liked the notion of her chasing him, either way, he didn't stop, and Cara soon found herself kicking up snow and extending her arms with each step. Right arm with right foot, left arm with left foot, trying to catch up to him. Cara's eyes narrowed, she was getting closer and closer by the second. After all, he had been working out for a while now, and seemed to be winding down, and she had just started. Must. Get. Him. Cara thought as she pushed herself to go just a little faster; try just a little harder. He was only a few feet away now, no more than five. Almost there. Cara finally closed the gap. She was only a foot behind him now. Finally, Cara lunged at Darren. She propelled herself off the front of her feet, and extended her arms out before her. If only she could tackle him, Cara thought, that would make her entire plan so much easier. |