srwug_alpha_rp | (no subject)

[As usual, Wendell is in his makeshift archery range, practicing. It's mostly to keep his mind occupied, this time. The shortage of food wasn't that far off from a harsh winter after a poor-yielding harvest, so the hunger wasn't what was on his mind, but it had brought up a familiar memory.]

[The winter was bitter, cold, and nearing its slow death into spring. The small supplies had dwindled to scraps a few weeks ago, and the scraps were pretty much gone by now. Mana, however, never complained. Never said a word when Wendell came home empty-handed from the forest. Only smiled, and assured him that spring wasn't far off. It was just a little while now. Not to be too hard on himself, even the wolves of the forest were hungry. It's okay, she found some salt and fat, enough for a small soup. Wendell smiled back, knowing that Mana hadn't eaten lunch, contributing it to the dinner they both could share. Maybe if she would be angry at him, it would be easier. Now, it just felt like he failed her...]

[Pulling back into the present, Wendell's hands began to shake. Loosing the arrow, it flew wildly, landing nowhere near the target. He stared down the range, hands still shaking faintly, even without the strain from the bow's string.]

Such a failure...

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Woah!

[Lowe jumps from his ~~hiding~~ observation place, since he was almost hit by an arrow.]

What happened? It's not like you to stop paying attention like that!

Oh, uh, oops. Sorry, I didn't know you were over there.

[Wendell forces a smile. His hands won't stop shaking, though, and he clenches his fists in an attempt to hide it.]

Are you okay?

I'm fine, it missed. Even if it hits though, one arrow ain't enough to take me down!

But you gotta be more careful, okay?

Yeah. I just got...

[The memory flashes forward again, and Wendell grimaces.]

...distracted, I guess.

Hunger getting to you? Or is it something else?

[That grimace did not went unnoticed.]

No. There were a few winters on the farm like this. It just... reminded me of someone.

That's why you're here for, right?

To help her.

[You could say it was a shot in the dark, but the truth is... Lowe heard about Wendell from other people, and even had a chance to look into his unit. Being the mechanic and all.]

[He flinches again, looking down into his still shaking hands. Wendell wasn't surprised that news like that would spread.]

Yeah.

I've failed her so much, and yet she kept faith in me.

What are you talking about?

You didn't give up yet, did you?

No.

I won't give up. It's the least I owe her.

I... just sometimes wonder what she saw in me.

A guy who'd never give up and would do anything for her, how about that?

[Wendell gives a faint laugh.]

I suppose you're right. Thanks.

[Though still shaking slightly, Wendell brushes a hand through his hair.]

I guess the hunger is getting to me, a little.

Just a week more or so and we'll get a resupply. We can endure it for that long, no?

Of course. It's nice to have a due date on that, tentative as it is. In bad winters, there wasn't a guarantee that the first day of spring would be any better.

Yeah... before I came down here, I thought being on Earth is like a holiday. But after the Impact it's harsh to even eke out a living in so many places. Maybe the colonies have it easier after all.

Maybe... but usually the things worth doing aren't easy.

Right. I guess you're up to something there.

Wonder if the same applies to just livin'? I don't hold anything against those who have it easier than me. Buut... I'm getting too philosophical here.

Maybe. But, if there isn't a little hardship in life, is it really living?

[He smiles.]

I might think differently if life were easier, though.

Makes the nice things that come your way all the sweeter, huh? Because you know you earned them.

So keep up the good work, man. You can do it - even if it's too much for one guy, we'll be here to help you.

Yeah.

[He smiles again, warmer this time.]

Thanks.

[Nerdy but somehow cool-looking thumbs up.]

Something the matter?

[Yeah, Josh ad been surprised that Wendell had missed by that much. He knew the guy was good with a bow... really good. Better than he was with a sword at any rate.]

Oh...

[Wendell looks uneasy. He tries to hide his shaking hands by his side, or at least not draw attention to them.]

I was... uh...

[Eyeing the arrow, lodged in the ground several feet away from the target, Wendell sighed.]

I got distracted, I guess.