(IC) The Abandoned Church
Halie had looked up to Dream when he offered her the new clothing and numbly accepted them as she stood up, on autopilot. Instead of going off into another room for modesty’s sake, she simply changed where she was. Nudity wasn’t something she was ashamed of nor was modesty drummed into her. It came down to that matter of life or death. Once the dry clothing was settled in place, she curled back up to the cub to fall asleep, desperately wanting to forget the torment that she had been through…
She was the last to wake, her head throbbing and her lips dry though she tried to lick them to moisten them. It took several moments for Gordo’s words to register and she looked up at him from her seated position, those large hazel colored eyes full of sadness. “I could probably do with another layer…this won’t do out there in that kind of weather.” This came from a place of experience. As Dream laid out their choices, Halie chewed on her bottom lip, pulling bits of the dry skin with her teeth, an anxious habit of hers. “I…think we need to continue on…there’s no point in staying.” The words sounded harsh even to her own ears and she could due with some more rest…but her perceived pragmatism would always win out.
“Sam knows our destination and if he were smart, he wouldn’t come back here. I doubt he would want us to stay put while he is...gone.” It was bitter having to admit to this…to even have to say it but there it was. The cycles of the seasons continued their steady dance despite intense heartache…the grief of her loss and the desire to just sleep the days away. “I appreciate the concern for my well being, but I’ll be fine…I am not, nor have I ever been a delicate little flower who wilts at any sign of adversity. My vote is to press on…”