Thread: Life through the Mask (darkangel76 & frelance)

Lilly had all she could do to not call out and beg the man to slow down, to wait for her. Tamping down the urge, she knew it would be useless. He didnt care about her or her situation. After all, what was she to him anyway? More than likely he saw her as a means to getting killed. Given that, she decided if shed tried to get his full attention, hed only move faster just to prove a point. Yes, it was clear that he didnt want her there at all. As the man continued on through the wilds of the forest, Lilly couldnt help but notice that the light in the sky was dimming, growing darker and darker. It would be night soon and the thought of being alone in the darkness terrified her. She knew she was far from home now, farther than before even. The idea of having to survive the night outside and alone definitely didnt set well. Wondering what she should do, if she should even attempt to speak to this man she felt compelled to follow despite how loudly her instincts screamed at her that she was foolish to have done so, her teeth began to chatter. It wasnt just the cold of the oncoming night that made them do that. No. It was the fear and paranoia she felt creeping up on her, slowly devouring her whole. The man started to slow as the sun set beyond the horizon. Lilly was glad of it, but the fear of the unknown still bubbled on her surface. When he finally stopped, she saw the cliff before them. Oh god Lilly muttered to herself. Were they to climb that? There was no way shed make it. Her fear and worry rising, Lilly clutched at her middle with her arms and watched the man take a sip of water and situate his bag on his person. She knew he was going to climb. Immediately she felt a sense of despair and hopelessness try to take over. If youre going to follow me then youre going to want to get up there before night falls, the man suddenly said. His voice startled Lilly, making her jump. But all she could do in response was nod. She knew he was right. But the problem was that she didnt think shed be able to manage. Not without his help. At that, the man wasted no time. He began to climb, slowly scaling the cliffs face, making his way up and toward the top. As Lilly watched him, she frantically looked at the rock, trying to study the various crevices and nooks she could use for foot and hand holds. Not seeing any other choice, she began to climb as well. Her breath caught in her throat as she began to scale the wall of rock, her heart pounding, her hands shaking. Looking up after some time, she saw the man suddenly disappear over the edge. He made it, Lilly whispered to herself. A tiny smile quirked the corners of her lips upward. She was happy for him. Now if only she could join him. Just stay calm, Lilly. Keep going. Setting her jaw, Lilly pressed onward. Slowly, she continued her climb. Just then, her foot slipped on one of the foot holds and she slid down against the rock. It was rough and painful, not to mention terrifying, as she began to fall. Panicking, she began to grab for anything she could to prevent her from falling further. Unfortunately, she was unable to find anything and so, within minutes, she was suddenly crumpled in a heap at the base of the cliff. A bit dazed and now very afraid, Lilly looked up into the ever darkening sky. There was no way shed make it now. Not a chance in hell. Shivering with terror, she brushed herself off and inspected her body to make sure she hadnt injured herself too badly. Luckily, save some minor scrapes and bruises, she was fine. Standing up, she knew she had to try again. It was her only option. She couldnt let the man get too far ahead of her, that would surely mean her death now and she wasnt ready to die. Squinting and trying to find something to grab onto, Lilly suddenly found herself going still. Her heart nearly stopped and her blood went icy cold. Behind her, she could hear a low rumbling growl. Chattering, she slowly turned around and saw a wolf stalking her like she was to be its next meal. Trying to blink back the tears that were threatening to fall, she slowly edged backwards until she bumped into the rocky wall of the cliff. She was trapped. She was going to die. Just then, Lilly heard a whooshing sound and instantly, the wolf fell over with a whimpering yelp. Her pale eyes went wide and she leaned toward the animal to see what caused it pain. When looking a bit closer, she realized that the wolf was dead and that it was an arrow that had killed it. At that, her head snapped up and she frantically began to look around about herself. Someone had to have shot the arrow. Maybe they could help her since the man shed been following had no desire to help her at all. At that, Lilly heard a rustling in the distance. A figure peeked out from behind the leafy branches of the forest. It was male, massive, strong looking. Immediately, she felt a bad feeling form in the pit of her stomach. She needed to run, to get away from him. Something. Anything. Without hesitation, her hand went for the handle of the knife she wore on her thigh. The man only smirked at her. Two prizes, he said as he stepped out and into full view. A wolf and a girl. The guys are gonna love this, he added. Please I Lilly stammered. All that left her lips after that was a scream as the guy pounced and bound her wrists. The man then slung Lilly over one of his shoulders. He slung the wolf over the other. Screaming and frightened, she wondered just where this man would be taking her.