Alleys Can Be Dangerous (Danck)

[Ash]

Season: Winter, Day: 3 511 AV Ash clutched her dagger to her thigh as she cautiously explored the gloomy alleys of Sunberth. Keeping off of the main pathways for now was key. Slowly, she took in everything about the alley she now aimlessly wandered around. Deciding it was safe, for now, in this particular spot Ash backed up against one of the rough walls, and inhaled the precious air around her. She felt so relaxed, and at peace in this moment. Too relaxed. Consciously off guard, her constant state of slight paranoia vanished with a single thought. Somewhere within her mind warning bells vigorously chimed. They screamed at her. Dangerous they hissed, but she didn't care. Ash was so weary from her fears, her skeletons that she needed a perfect moment of tranquility. Ash slowly studied the wall opposite of her. The greyish wood it had been constructed from was perfect, and even. If it possessed flaws they were highly unnoticeable. Ash sighed, her broken heart throbbing. She wished...no, prayed for that typed of perfection. Lazily, Ash glanced to her right down the alley way and pushed the unwanted thoughts from her brain. Quickly brushing her long hair over her shoulder, Ash closed her blue eyes and listened to what was around her. Silence levitated throughout the atmosphere apart form some chatter of footsteps here and there. Good she thought. Ash just stood there silently, her back poised against the wall, focusing on her steady breathing. Nothing could touch her right now, but deep within her tortured soul the fear still crept, keeping her on edge. That would probably never fade. Scrunching her eyes tightly shut she whispered, "Why?" A loud clatter echoed down the tight alley, and Ash's eyes snapped open in a panic. She quickly jumped away from the wall, her dagger flinging from her hand towards the end of the alley, and into the street. Ash's heart raced as she seized the problem at hand. She was afraid to go out there. Slowly, Ash made her way towards the end of the tight alley stopping five feet from her beloved dagger. She stifled the urge to scream as she stood there gathering up the courage to grab her weapon.