By the time I leave the barracks, my limbs are in a mess.
I wince with every attempt at raising them- that is how sore they were.
As for my body- patches of blue covered the area Captain Harlan's blows connected.
Regardless, I felt quite content with myself today- at least I got something out from the training.
It was not everyday that I got offered to be shown some moves- even if I had to grovel for it.
Baby steps, soon I would be able to stand on my own two feet.
Speaking of feet, snow had started melting off the cobbled walkway- a change graciously welcomed.
My eyes take chance to admire the atmospheric ambience of the evening, or rather early night time.
The numerous stars above shine their light, twinkling, an unfathomable distance away.
So unbothered with the hardships of living- unlike me.
Look at me- a young teen walking back from a beating- struggling for my survival.
Barely scraping by, were it not for gentle souls like Irena, I cannot even begin to imagine what would have turned out of me.
Probably frozen in a ditch somewhere- No, thats unlikely- hmm? Most probably worse off than how I am currently- definately.
Lost within my self depreciating introspection, my steps carry my forward- the span of time is scarcely noticed. I just find myself before the Jivin crow Tavern- where I call home, temporarily.
As I walk in, I sweep my gaze across the hall, nodding to some familiar patrons.
The others? Just a passing glance.
Within that fleeting glance, I notice Oliver and his bunch of hunters, frantically throwing arms around.
Huh! Brows raise.
This could mean trouble for me.
Yet, I coundn't linger, lest I collapse from fatigue.
Or worse, get noticed and draw suspicion upon myself.
As of now, I keep them at the corner of my vision.
Anyone worth his salt would detect being watched.
Keeping them at the periphery of my view is being cautious, risky nonetheless.
Ahh, I digress.
Feet drag aganist the wooden floor, ignoring Meira's call, I enter the kitchen.
I look around, expecting to find Irena, yet I fail to catch a whiff of her.
I take a piece of bread and proceed to the flight of stairs- destination; my room.
"Oi!"
I wince, feeling a hand on my sore shoulder.
"Oh sorry!"
Staring at the flustered girl before me, a sigh escapes my mouth,
"Meira, can we please talk in the morning,"
Meira looks down, taken aback by my mild tone.
"Uh...uhmm...alright Rain, rest easy"
She intones,
I nod, still staring "Well?"
"No ...nothing!" She mutters, running down the stairs.
I give a weary sigh, stepping past the last couple of stairs, through the long hallway and before my door.
The keys get fumbled within my fingers, desparately trying to unlock the bolted door.
A click sounds and the door creaks open.
A swing gets it locked behind me.
Mouth agape, I let loose a long yawn.
I find myself atop the straw bed, my head lead-heavy.
Maybe I should just-
~~
"What do you mean Lex hasn't showed?!"
"Duke, listen, he'll show, eventually-" Carlo interrupts
"Eventually? Eventually? This is my brother we're talking about."
Duke cuts in, then continues
"He's never been this late, ever!"
"Heh, maybe he turned tails and ran, with our shares."
Carlo quips in, arms folded.
"What did you just say? " Duke snarls, his voice thick with fury.
His fingers club, ready to throw arms, Oliver gets in between them, just in time.
"Carlo! Watch it! This is Lex you're speaking about!"
Turns to Duke,
"You know he's a numbskull, don't mind him."
"To hell, I ye' think I'll sit and hear 'em speak ill of mi brother"
It takes Oliver great skill to de-escalate the volatile situation.
Nonetheless, It bothered him too, the guy has been missing for close to two weeks now.
Two weeks! No word of Lex, frankly, he was gettting concerned.
Oliver glances at his collegues, Duke wont rest until his brother is found.
Better get to asking around- that'll keep him calm- enough not to screw over their job come dawn.
He takes a swing off his mug, emptying it in one gulp.
"Lets go ask around, Someone ought to seen him around"
"If he ever showed" Carlo snickers.
"Watch it! Carlo" Oliver yells, spit spewing off his mouth,
He locks a piercing gaze onto Carlo.
"One more word!" holds out his index finger, "One more word and we'll have a problem."
Carlo raises his arms, shrugging in resignation
Duke paces around calming his rage, occassionally clicking his tongue in fury.
The trio walk off, closing in on the gates,
"Oi"
Oliver calls out, to the guards atop the palisade.
One guard jumps down.
"Hello guys" he greets
"Have you seen Lex? My brother?"
Duke interrupts, before anybody could greet back.
"Huh" the guard gives a puzzled look, "Thinking of it now, I haven't seen Lex for a while now."
He pauses, then looks up
"Have you guys seen Lex?" He shouts, his eyes flicking towards the hanging overwatch.
"No"
"Lex? I haven't seen 'em"
"No "
The guard gazes back,
"You heard 'em."
Oliver gives a knowing nod, turns to leave.
"Heh! What did I-"
Scarcely had Carlo finished his statement when he found himself tackled- flying and hitting his chin aganist the wooden walls.
Before the scuffle could further escalate, Oliver and the guard had already separated the two men.
Carlo wipes his bleeding mouth, snickers and turns to leave- disappearing into the night.
The guard gives Oliver a look, lets go of Duke,
"Oliver, keep your men in check," he sighs, "One more outbust and I'll have to lock 'em up."
Oliver gives a knowing look, nodding. Grabs Duke's arm and drags him off.
"Let go of my arm!" Duke hisses,
"Getting angry isn't helping us find Lex, is it?"
Duke stares back, jaw clenching.
A tremor runs through his fingers, He snarls
"If something's happened to my brother, they'll pay in blood!"