"It happened a week ago. I found you a couple of days ago."

I nodded in response, facing forwards with my eyes cast down. I could feel him squeeze on my hand breifly. His fingers were cold, but his palm hot. With my free hand I gripped the rough woolen sheet of the bed next to my leg, the texture under my fingers making them tingle, a slight comfort to my nerves.

I'd say the conversation ground to a halt, but I hadn't really said anything, and I certainly couldn't think of anything to contribute.

"There must be other survivors like you out there." So what? Even if I managed to leave, what then? I was new to the clan, and our underground little network was the only one I knew about. Clearly there was no place for me there any longer. Survivors are long gone. I'm lost. There is nothing to discuss.

"I..." I felt the hair on the back of my neck prickle. I began to feel insecure, and shifted in my seat. "I really don't know." My voice sounded parched. I could hardly help it. I can't have drunk anything since that day. I'm not even going to tempt my stomach to tell me how it's feeling by thinking about food.

I was starting to fidget. Something was making me uneasy, and I couldn't think what. I took a glance at the window, and all I saw was the wood of the next house and some tall yellowing grasses poking up into view.

"If I manage to leave here, where do I start to look? I've never been outside my village before." I croaked. My voice was much deeper than usual for some reason. I sounded tired even though I'd slept out cold for the best of a week.

The look he gave me was simply belittling. I shrank into myself, uncomfortable with the feeling of impending doom Zelo inflicted upon me. It's not like I had any choice in the matter- citizens such as myself don't have the freedom to leave, and we have to lay as low as possible. Sneaking out once in a while wouldn't get me in the good books.

"Welcome to the outside world. You're going to see a lot of it." The reality was starting to kick in, and in the gut. I couldn't just sit here for the rest of my life. But... I just don't feel ready for all this adventure.

"Look, I'll help you leave the village, and I'll give you an idea of the local area, but I don't know what you're going to do from then on." I nodded, taking a glance at him and catching brief eye contact. His eyes gleamed with life and glimmered with concern. He's already put his neck on the line for me by having me in his presence. I certainly don't deserve this help.

Even after all he's done, though, I still don't feel safe. There are an extra pair of eyes on me, and I know it. I whip around to face the window and catch a glimpse of russet disappear at the side.

"What is it?"

"I thought I saw something-"

Before I could comprehend what was happening, I was on the floor with my shoulders joined to the wall. Zelo had flung the window open and from where I was I could only see his legs as he leaned out. After a few seconds, he came back into view with a stern purse to his lips, and slammed the window back into place. His chest rose and fell heavier than before.

"Sorry 'bout that, had to get you out of view." He glanced back outside a moment before crouching and helping me sit up. "I didn't see anyone, but best be careful. You should sit out of sight." Yeah... if I'm already on the floor, I can't meet it so heavily. I've become good friends with it recently.