thechildrenoflores:
Ellie stands and shoulders how own bag and her quiver before snatching up her bow and giving her back a stretch. She helps her son with his bag before giving a slight nod to Eluned. “Lead the way.” She offers as Arthur yawns tiredly. She takes the boy’s hand and follows after Eluned. “Try to keep quiet, sweetie. We don’t know who might be out there.” She says softly, giving his hand a gentle squeeze.
A few minutes later, Treasure holds out her hand indication those following behind her to stop. It’s difficult to see through the thick smoke and she keeps her shield up to keep from breathing in all of the smoke. “I’m going to project and see if I can see anything up closer.” She says quietly before leaning against Emanon so her body wouldn’t fall to the ground and be lost in the smoke. “Stay here and stay ready to run or fight. You’re in charge till I’m back.” She says before closing her eyes and focusing. A few moments later, her body goes slack against the younger male.
El is sure to keep a sharp watch, straining her ears for any unusual sound. Any twitch in the brush or the shuffle of damp leaves beneath their feet sends her heart into overdrive. This has got to be a trap. There’s no way it’s actually them, or else they would have tried starting a fire a long time ago as a signal or something. When Arthur whines that he’s tired of walking because of course he is, she scoops him up and lets him sit on her hip, monkey-style.
He supports her dead weight from under her arms before a brief moment before setting her gently on the ground. It was impossible to see through the smoke, but they could hear just fine. The coast seemed to be clear, for the moment, but Emanon crouched protectively over Treasure, ready to throw a shield up at a moments notice. They all remained silent, as if even shifting a utility belt or tying a shoe would set off a trap or alert a horde of deadheads to their location. It was hell waiting for her to come back with news and direction.











