1.
~ Ariadne watched the snow falling heavily outside. The worried noises and mutterings of her fellow passengers made her feel nervous. The small airport terminal was tense after the rough landing she and the rest of the Team had to endure.
A sudden snow storm had cause the plane to divert and attempt a dangerous landing on an icy runway. After such a landing, Ariadne never wanted to fly again.
"Were in Alaska." Cobb said with a sigh.
"We were supposed to me in Washington." Saito said with a scowl.
"Storm is actually worse there." Arthur said looking over his smart phone.
"Look at that mess." Eames said staring out the window next to Ariadne. "Were not going anywhere. No planes leaving for a day at least."
The Forger seemed impressed with the storm but Ariadne felt more then a little worried. Severe weather had always scared her.
"A few days?" Ariadne repeated watching the winds rush against the glass of the windows and try to come inside. Instinctively, she backed away.
"There is no airport hotel here." Saito mumbled as Ariadne felt herself accidentally back into the Point Man. She relaxed as Arthur's reassuring presence calmed her. His hands touching her waist.
"Relax, we can get a room. But we need to do it quickly." Arthur said as they watched they storm grow worse.
~ "Your lucky." The lady said as Ariadne tried to shield herself from harsh, unforgiving snow fall. "This was my son's old apartment. Perfect for the young lady. Myself and my husband are right downstairs. Should do you for a few days."
The cold didn't seem to bother the older woman as she led Ariadne and Arthur inside and up a flight of stairs.
The Architect and Point Man breathed a sigh of relief at finally being inside. Arthur had heroically made sure Cobb, Saito and Eames all had a place to stay in the mad dash for hotel rooms after their flight was grounded. Some people were not so lucky and had to rely on the stand by of local beds and breakfasts.
"Arthur, I don't know if I want to stay here alone." Ariadne said worriedly climbing the stairs and out of ear shot of the lady.
"I know, but there are no more rooms at the inn. So to speak." Arthur said carrying her bag. "As it is, I'm bunking with Cobb, Saito and Eames. Not really looking forward to that."
"Your not going to drive back in this storm are you?" She asked.
"You don't think I can?" He asked. An amused look on his face.
"I don't think you should." She said worriedly as the lady opened the door to her temporary lodgings.
"Well, your probably right about that." Arthur said with a sigh. "Let's get you set up." He said nodding to the open door the lady stood by.
"Now, there is a kitchen here, my husband will bring some food and cooking stuff up for you. We don't have much in the way of furniture, but you won't need much since it's just you." She said.
The only stick of furniture was the full size bed.
"I'll bring up some clean sheets and blankets. Now, the stove, hot water and heater are all gas for when the power goes out." The lady said.
Ariadne paused in taking off her coat.
"You really think the power will go out?" She asked. Her eyes large with worry. She didn't want to be alone in the dark in this strange place.
"Surprised it hasn't already." The lady said. "But don't you worry. I'll bring up a lantern for you. The fire place works really well, and we have some wood there."
Ariadne hadn't noticed the large fireplace that was painted white to match the walls. No wall art or any kind of comforts were in this tiny "apartment". It was as barren and cold as the snow she was trying to get away from.
She didn't want to stay here all alone. She wanted to be with her Team in the over crowded hotel room. At least there, she would be safe and surrounded by people she knew. Even if she would have to sleep on the floor.
"I'm going to build you a fire before I leave." Arthur said as the lady left them. Ariadne nodded and looked out her only window by the kitchen.
"Arthur, it's really coming down!" She said worriedly. His red rental car was already half buried.
The Point Man was stacking firewood into a tent shape as he carefully arranged kindling to catch.
She saw the fire bloom into life in the fireplace. Brightening the room up.
"I'm sorry I have to leave you." He said giving her a concerned look. "But the storm is getting worse."
Suddenly the room plunged into darkness and Ariadne couldn't help but scream as a loud bang rang out. The primal fear of being without light, frightening her.
"It's the power." Arthur said calmly as she could feel his body moving close to her. His arms around her. "It's alright. She said this might happen."
Ariadne nodded and buried her face in his chest. She felt a little silly from being so worried. The Point Man stood with his arms around her for a long time before moving to the window.
"Looks like I'm not going anywhere." He said with a sigh.
"What happened?" She asked coming to the window.
Out in the darkened street, a power line had broken from the high winds and fallen over Arthur's rental car.
Crushing it.