Thread: Hidden World (darkangel76 & Neophyte)

Cara clutched her bag tightly against her body as she began to run along the path leading away from her house. Shed managed to take what money she could that had been stashed in her bedroom, though she wondered if it would be enough. More than likely it would be fine for the night, but for long term? She had her doubts and she had no idea what the mysterious mercenary man would expect of her. The urge to turn around was strong. But there was no way she could now. She was past the point of no return. She had to keep going. Running, breath coming in hard rasps, Cara felt as if her lungs were on fire. The burn from the exertion from running was taking its toll on her small, slim body and she knew she had no choice but to slow down. Slowing her pace, her lungs happy for the rest, she went over the directions in her head that Peter had given her. As much as she didnt like the guy, she hoped her father wasnt too hard on him for divulging the information he had. Though given the way hed treated her earlier that evening, she had no doubt that the man would suffer a relatively harsh punishment. Looking down at her feet as she continued to press on, she felt a feeling of guilt wash over her body. Frowning just then, Cara reached a hand up to her cheek. It still stung from the earlier slap her father had administered. When shed inspected her face as shed changed clothes, shed noticed that shed been bruised ever so slightly. A reminder of her supposed defiance to her father. A reminder that he distrusted her and wouldnt forever keep her free from living the way she chose to do so. Dropping her hand, she let out a sigh. Such was the way of things. She could only hope that when she found the man who intrigued her so, that hed at least let her stay for a little while, long enough to figure out her next move. And hopefully long enough so that she could find out exactly what it was he knew about her mother and family. The words uttered between that man and her father as hed interrupted their dinner that evening were burned into her mind. What were the Templars? What did that have to do with her mother, her family? Why after all this time would they come back? So many questions filled her mind and needed to be answered. She knew this man would have them or at the very least have a clue and be able to give her names of people to contact. She was sure of it. As the night wore on and Cara continued to forge on ahead to what she hoped would be her final destination for the evening, the air began to get colder and colder. Something was off, she could feel it, sense it. Deciding to pick up the pace a little, though not quite to a jog, she wrapped her arms about her body to stave off the chill. The moon was bright and silvery as its rays shone down upon her and the street glistening with oil slick and water. Shivering, she began to move even faster though she cursed herself for not wearing better shoes. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Cara could see the building Peter had mentioned in the distance. Its silhouette was ominous in the darkness and quiet of what was usually a bustling city. It was odd, almost disturbing, how the place seemed nearly devoid of its typical nightlife. It made her wonder if others had that same sense of foreboding she did and felt it safer to stay home and inside the confines of the houses or apartments. Trying not to dwell on that too much, she let her pale eyes fix on the place that was her goal. The building was tucked away in a rather eccentric corner of town, an odd looking shop across the way that made her arch a brow in wonder. Biting down on her lip and running a shaky hand through her thick, dark hair, she let out a quick breath and pushed open the main door. The sound of her shoes clicked against the stone until she finally made it to the carpeted area. At the end of the hall was a staircase and despite her nerves and fear, she reached for the railing and began to climb. The trek up seemed endless, nearly agonizing as she knew the door to his place was getting closer and closer. As Cara made it to the floor on which the man resided, she turned to the left and walked up a short, four-step staircase that led to the landing. Swallowing, her body began to tremble and she felt the adrenaline coursing throughout her veins. Calm down, Cara. Itll be all right. Hell have the answers, Cara whispered to herself, her voice almost inaudible. Slowly, terrified, Cara walked along the carpeted hallway toward the mans door. When she finally reached it, she sucked in a breath before knocking. A part of her had hoped no one would answer, but almost immediately the door swung open and she found herself face to face with the man whod kissed her. At that, she felt her knees weaken, her resolved faltering. No. She had to keep it together. Fear and intrigue needed to be pushed aside. What are you doing here? Why arent you locked in your room? the man asked, his face quizzical and almost surprised. I Cara stammered. I uh ran away. She averted her eyes from his gaze. For some reason she couldnt look at him, so she turned her head slightly and stared at the floor instead. The slight bruise on her cheek was visible and she felt its sting as her mind drifted for a moment to what her father had done, to what hed said, what hed called her. I couldnt stay there, she then added. But, I what are the Templars? she asked and finding some small semblance of courage, she returned her eyes to his gaze once more, her fear apparent, but her strength holding on. And what do they have to do with my mother?