Free (Closed.)

[Cornflower MM]

Arya glanced at him, but nodded. She moved her paw so he could grab it.

[The Skarzs]

"Alright," he said softly, and gripped the rock, pulling firmly but as gently as he could; he hoped he wasn't causing Arya too much pain.

[Cornflower MM]

Arya gasped, but pulled herself together. ''Thanks.'' She whispered.

[The Skarzs]

"You're welcome," Garth said equally quietly. He gave a paw to help Arya up.

[Cornflower MM]

Arya took the p r offered paw, and when she was standing, she found her walking stick and leaned on it very heavily. She shook her head - Water went everywhere. But she was drenched again in mere moments.

[The Skarzs]

Garth tried to wring out his shirt, but he watched in dismay as it was immediately soaked again. He sighed and tried to look through the mist and haze the rain caused for some type of shelter. Peering hard, he saw an outcrop of rock in the distance. "There's somewhere over there we can stay until this storm passes." He then added, "It's not too far," considering Arya's wound.

[Cornflower MM]

"Please do n's baby me." Arya muttered, then she started to walk towards the outcrop.

[The Skarzs]

"Baby you? I'm trying to help you, for crying out loud!" Garth caught up with Arya.

[Cornflower MM]

"What's the difference?" She weakly protested,  limping.

[The Skarzs]

Garth spoke earnestly. "I'm not trying to make you feel. . . helpless, I'm trying. . . I'm letting you know. . . that you can rely on me to help you when you do need help." He breathed in, then out again. "You're like the only family I've really ever had."

[Cornflower MM]

Arya stayed silent for a few minutes. "Garth, I've been raised to not rely on anyone but myself. But, I'm honored." She said finally.

[The Skarzs]

"Honored? I don't know about that. . ." In a few more minutes they had reached the outcrop, and Garth was glad they were finally in a dry place. "Can't start a fire," he mumbled, looking out at the gloomy weather; it didn't look as if it would stop soon.

[Cornflower MM]

Arya didn't say anything. She needed a little time with her thoughts.

[The Skarzs]

"I think it's safe for both of us to sleep; no beast but us is crazy enough to be out in this storm." Garth laid his head down and fell asleep quickly, wishing he could know how Arya was really feeling.

[Cornflower MM]

Arya stayed awake, leaning against a rock, deep in her thoughts, oblivious to the world.