Renn lay in the darkness, trapped inside her own head. She wanted to sleep, to let the darkness take over her completely. The warmth of death was peaceful, inviting, Renn just wanted to wrap it around her, to give in...
...Renn drifted back in to the consciousness of her own mind. What was going on? Where was she? She pushed at the darkness with all her strength. Her body ached, why wouldn't it move? Renn stopped struggling with herself. Someone was with her. It was like a warm soft light, brushing her side. Pine. But where was Fin? She wanted - she needed - she - sh - Thump-thump. Thump-thump...
...Renn could feel the pace of her heart – it was a thick, slow thud-thud. Thump-thump. She had neglected the idea of letting the darkness win, but she couldn't remember why, she would be re-united with Torak if she slipped away now. Yes! That was what she should do! Let it take her now! Her heart beat slowed, thump-thump thump-thump. Thump. Thump... thump.
. . . . .
"Darius? Darius," Sun howled into the night. She had not seen him since that afternoons episode and she was now very worried about him. He was capable of looking after himself, she knew that, but he would very upset – so he might do something naive and childish.
Sun had now arrived at the shelter where it had happened. Treading slowly and carefully as not to disturb the tracks, she entered the shelter. Sun swiftly scraped her splint against the ruff side of her pack, emitting a spark of life, and lit the branch she had brought. What she saw next completely bewildered her. There were two tracks! One had big clumsy feet, obviously Darius, but there was also a little pair. They must have belonged to a child. The little child had run in to Darius. After that – it looked like they had run out together. Sun followed the tracks further. The little tracks disappeared after a small while, and Darius' tracks had become deeper – he had picked the little child up. Sun couldn't understand what was going on. Why would Darius run away with a child?
It was dark and Sun was tried. As much as it pained her, she would have to stop pursuing him and go to the shelter to sleep. This would have to wait until the morning. She started the long trek home, thoughts of what could have happened to Darius and the child weaving their way through her mind.
. . . . .
Sun is in the woods near the shelter. She is weeping fresh tears for her father, although it has been five summers. She has been trying to squash her grief down for too long, and it has exploded. She is on her knees shaking with loud sobs. She has not the strength to stop them. A hand touches her shoulder, warm and loving. She looks over her to see her father, smiling comfortingly.
"It's ok." He utters. "I'm still here with you-" He pats his chest softly. "In here." Sun throws herself into his arms, sobbing louder.
"I'm so sorry father! It's my entire fault! It's my fault your de- de-" She cannot finish the sentence and buries her face in her father's chest.
"Why would you think it was your fault?" Torak says questioningly. "I saved you- that was me. I fell because I would rather die than see you fall to the bottom of that cliff, and I did. None of it is your fault. Who told you it was your fault?" He says.
"Well, no one. But mother left me because she blamed me." Sun says, the tears still streaming down her pallid face.
"No, Sun. Your mother was just upset. Listen, it is not your fault. Sun, when you wake up, understand that this is not just a dream. It's reality. Believe it.
Sun awoke with a jolt. What did this all mean?
. . . . .
Please people, review! If you like it (or not) comment! I need something to cheer me on and give me some motivation! It will only take me longer otherwise. So please R&R. Thank you.
