Ellie had remained silent through the majority of their ride; she wasn't so much concerned with the journey, however, but the destination and task at hand. How would Leroy react? How would she manage to get word to him, anyways? It was evident that those in her group weren't willing to take hostages, so that left a significant hole in the plan.
Most of the conversation had gone over Ellie's head until Shad's demeanor changed - he had heard something, or seen something; a woman, all alone in the mountains. "Mom!" Ellie's head spun so fast she could have taken herself clean off her horse. Ellie unslung her bow and drew a single arrow, peering across every ledge and in every nook she could see, but she wasn't unjustified in her paranoia.
That smell...
It wafted through the air to each and every nose present in what seemed like an instant, and Shad pushed on before crumpling to his knees; heartbroken, furious, every emotion you could possibly imagine. She averted her gaze, uncertain which words would offer solace, and which would provoke a rash decision. It seemed that there were bandits in the hills, and their safety was no longer guaranteed.
Paige and the others opted to make for a nearby village, gather their bearings and wits. Ellie wasn't opposed to the idea, but there needed to be some sort of recompense for this; the remains of the man were battered beyond belief. Simply unforgivable. She returned her arrow to its quiver, dismounted her horse and made her way to Shad's side, placing a firm hand on his shoulder. She didn't wait for his response.
"They're right, Shad, we shouldn't rush this," she started gently. "But I'm with you." She could do with a bath, and a good meal wasn't such a bad idea. Besides, her and Paige hadn't had a chance to speak since their last moment alone, and there was plenty to be said.
Most of the conversation had gone over Ellie's head until Shad's demeanor changed - he had heard something, or seen something; a woman, all alone in the mountains. "Mom!" Ellie's head spun so fast she could have taken herself clean off her horse. Ellie unslung her bow and drew a single arrow, peering across every ledge and in every nook she could see, but she wasn't unjustified in her paranoia.
That smell...
It wafted through the air to each and every nose present in what seemed like an instant, and Shad pushed on before crumpling to his knees; heartbroken, furious, every emotion you could possibly imagine. She averted her gaze, uncertain which words would offer solace, and which would provoke a rash decision. It seemed that there were bandits in the hills, and their safety was no longer guaranteed.
Paige and the others opted to make for a nearby village, gather their bearings and wits. Ellie wasn't opposed to the idea, but there needed to be some sort of recompense for this; the remains of the man were battered beyond belief. Simply unforgivable. She returned her arrow to its quiver, dismounted her horse and made her way to Shad's side, placing a firm hand on his shoulder. She didn't wait for his response.
"They're right, Shad, we shouldn't rush this," she started gently. "But I'm with you." She could do with a bath, and a good meal wasn't such a bad idea. Besides, her and Paige hadn't had a chance to speak since their last moment alone, and there was plenty to be said.
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