Life's Struggles [1x1]

Carter

Carter watched as Ryker went and collected a stick, before Pearl went and did the same bringing each a stick back. Pearl dropped the stick at Carter's feet and received a pat followed by, "Good girl." Carter moved the stick over to where the fire put was being formed before raising his head at the mention of his name. He raised a brow in confusion, but quickly caught hint of the game. "Do I get told I'm a good boy if I get you a stick," he jokingly teased. He stood from the log and walked over and brought back a few sticks. "Where's my pat on the head," he asked with a laugh. He dropped the sticks near the pit and leaned down as if waiting for Morgan to pat him on the head. "I got you a stick." He busted out laughing before taking a seat on the log next to Morgan once again. He kicked more rocks over to the pit, finishing the circle. He placed some of the sticks in a sort of tee-pee shape. "It's ready now."

Simon

Simon returned a smile while he began to tie the tarp between the two trees. "It's no problem and anyway I can't just leave you out here on your own," he started. "Something might get you out in these woods." There weren't many dangerous things in these part of the woods, but of course you could never tell. He finished tying the tarp to the second tree and opened up the sleeping bag before laying it out on the ground. "Uh, yeah she has a attendance to follow her nose rather than listen, but then again she doesn't know English commands. She knows Latin and sometimes I forget that." He gave a small laugh and unzipped the sleeping bag so that it gave more space for them to lay on. He threw the thin red blanket on top of it. Simon leaned down in front of Addy, looking her directly in the eye. "Of course we'll be able to find them. We just need to pinpoint a general location of where we are and use the map I have to get there. Back that way is w-" He was cut short when he heard rusting off to the side of them. The canine Gemni stood in front of the two of them, barking in the direction of the sound. Simon looked over in the direction and caught sight of paws that looked awfully familiar. "Buffy," he called out. The brindle canine jumped over the bushes and came barreling towards them with a happy dog like grin. Simon was tackled to the ground and attacked by the dog licking him on the face. "Oh, Buffy, stop it," he commanded but the canine continued to leave slobber all over his face. "Off, Buffy," he commanded again and pushing the canine's weight off of him. Buffy back away, still wagging her tail happily. "You are such a bad dog, running of like that." He picked up the rope leash that was amazingly still attached to her and looped it on a low tree branch to ensure she wouldn't run off again. "Addy, this would be my dog Buffy."

Morgan
Giving a giggle as Carter finally caught on she smiled watching him come over. “That’s such a good boy!” Giggling and ruffling his blonde hair with her hand she grinned down at Carter as he handed her the stick. “Carter is such a good boy....who’s a good boy.....Carter is” she giggled ruffling his blonde hair again and then looking st the stick teepee that he created. Pulling out the lint from her jacket and the matches she struck the match seeing the stick light one flame. Putting it on the sticks and leaves in the middle he smiled watching the flames dance in the pit. Ryker tilted his head and stood up in his back feet in a begging position tilting his head and giving a bark. Giggling and rubbing Ryker’s head she kissed it gently with a smile. “No need to get jealous bud my love for everyone here can be split up....so be nice” pointing a finger at Ryker who wagged his butt and gave a bark from his position moved into a down and pressed his body against Morgan. Morgan smiled watching the flames dance in the pit putting her hand down and it landing on top of Carter’s she left it on top not paying attention. 

Addalyn 
Watching as a Belgian shepherd appeared out and tackling Simon she smiled weakly watching Buffy and Simon interact. “Gemni come” snapping her finger and the border collie moved into her side pressing against it and laying down with her brown eyes closed. Watching Simon with her hazel-green eyes she smiled “So you know anther laungue other than English I assume?” Tilting her head and shivering she got out the blanket from her pack wrapping it around her. “You know all I’m going to be is extra baggage nd slow you and Buffy down....” gulping and continuing on to Simon. “I mean most people I meet just ditch me and you could’ve easily done that...” swallowing and then seeing the darkness around them she appeared with another led collar giving it to Simon. “Just saying if you have any other light source by all means don’t be shy...” giving a little smile she clicked the red led collar and smiled towards Simon clicking on all the lights they had and then looked to Simon eagerly and hoping he had more light.

Last edited on 2018-01-07 at 22:53:40 by Daphne101

Carter

Carter laughed at her remark, finding the sort of game amusing. Pearl tilted her head oddly at them, making Carter laugh even more. He gave her a pet before running a hand through his now messy hair from it being ruffled. He put a half attempt to fix it, but found really no use if it was going to get messed up again anyways. When he took a seat back on the log next to Morgan, Pearl laid down almost on top of his feet, keeping them warm from her own body heat. He placed his hands on either, leaning his head back as he starred at the stars and the sparks of ash floating up from the dancing fire in front of him. His struck from his daze when he felt a warm presence cover his hand. He looked down and saw that Morgan's hand was resting right on top of his. Unable to formulate how to react, he sat there looking at their touching hands.

Simon

Simon smiled, eagerly happy that his canine best friend had returned. "Um yeah, I was born in a part of Canada where they mostly spoke French so that's my first language," he stated. "I know a little Latin, but only the commands that I tell Buffy." He looked to an excited Buffy who was wagging her tail happily and if anyone was standing behind her she would probably cause them to fall over. "Sedeo," he commanded the canine while pointing to the ground. Buffy lowered her rump, placing it on the ground and earning praise from Simon. "Good girl," he said with a pat on the head. His attention turned back to Addy, who he felt was adamantly trying to get rid of him. "No, no you are no trouble to me, and I will not leave you on your own to fend for yourself," he persisted. He grabbed a crank operated lantern, twisting the handle a hand full of times before turning it on to allow the dim light to illuminate the darkness.

Morgan
Turning her bright blue eyed gaze from the fire to her hand she widened her eyes “S-sorry Carter.....” moving away some and feeling herself blush she rubbed Ryker’s head trying to focus on the warmth. Giving a yawn and standing up she looked to the sleeping bag and then to Carter and then back to the sleeping bag with her bright blue eyes. “Well I don’t know about you....but I’m tired and we have a busy day tomorrow so it’s time for the beauty queen to get some much needed sleep.” Giving a tiny giggle and stretching she walked over to the sleeping bag gulping of having to share with a boy. “C’mon Ryk...” Taking off her hiking boots and putting them close by and leaving her socks  on she got into the sleeping bag moving to the edge to not take up too much room for when Carter cane. Ryker gave a little whine before licking Carter’s hand and then walking to Morgan’s side nestling down and spreading out his warmth evenly among her. Soon soft snore where heard from both Morgan and Ryker.

Addalyn
“That’s cool...my only language I know is English....” sighing in relief as he lit a lamp she smiled feeling her shoulders and body relax when the light got brighter. “Thanks Simon...” nodding and getting inside the sleeping bag giving a yawn she pulled her blanket she had over her more and smiled. Gemni gave a tired look laying down around her head so Addy could use her body as a pillow. Addy smiled looking at Simon “I’m glad I ran into you Simon....maybe we aren’t the only ones lost....then again we could be and that scares me...” swallowing deeply and accepting the warmth from Gemni she scooted to the edge of the sleeping bag for when Simon came. “G-goodnight Simon and goodnight Buffy and Gemi.” Smiling at both dogs she closed her Hazel-green eyes soon falling asleep against Gemni.

Carter

Carter shook his head, feeling just as embarrassed as Morgan must have been feeling. He shook his head looking at her as she tried to play it off smoothly. "Oh...uh..no it's fine," Carter stumbled over his own words. When she left to go to the sleeping bag, Carter stayed put watching the fire dance for a few moments longer. "Okay," he said simply with a laugh, though his mind was elsewhere, deep in his own thoughts thinking about all the happenings of this day. He felt a wet tongue hit his hand and looked down at Pearl who starred back at him. He began to stroke her head, letting his mind wander. It wasn't until he heard a faint noise of snoring that his thoughts were broken. He laughed slightly, looking down at Pearl. "Looks like we got a noisy camp mate," he joked to her before pulling out some water, extinguishing the flames. He stood from the log, feeling the cold of the night beginning to hit his skin from the absence of the fire's heat. Through the dark, he allowed Pearl to lead him over to the sleeping bag, stopping to remove his hiking boots. He slowly slipped into the sleeping bag, feeling embarrassed that he was sharing it with a stranger, much less a girl. It was a new feeling to him as he had never slept in close proximity to someone like this before. Although they were not exactly right on top of each other, he could feel the warmth of their body heat surrounding them. Pearl laid near his head, allowing him to use her as a pillow. Carter sighed, closing his eyes and soon falling into a deep sleep. Sometime during the night he rolled over, slinging an arm around Morgan, almost hugging her to him.

Simon

Simon nodded, "Yeah, if you would like I could teach you some words while we find our way back." He offered a smile and noticed that Addy had began to relax. "It's really no problem." Simon watched as Addy moved over to the sleeping bag, catching her infectious yawn. He gave a sigh at her words, knowing that his survival training had began early. He had to admit that he was slightly uneasy about being lost in an unknown place. "We will find the rest of the group, or at least find our way out of these dense woods," he said reassuringly, not just for Addy but for himself too. "Goodnight," he replied before taking his spot and covering himself with his own blanket before drifting off to sleep with Buffy's warmth hitting his side.

Morgan
Throughout the night she tossed and turned in the sleeping bag at one point Morgan had rolled over onto Carter’s side burying her head in his chest still asleep. Lifting his head and giving a whine as Ryker spotted a squirrel squrry up a tree and sit in the beach. Giving another louder whine and giving a sharp bark at the tree waking Morgan up. Bright blue eyes blinking open and taking in the sun’s morning rays she shook her head getting out of the sleeping bag and looking down at Carter and Pearl. Smiling and petting Ryker’s head she went to the log taking out some dog food and pouring it into his bowl and gestering for him to eat. Letting Ryker eat she moved to the log taking out a granola bar and opening it biting into the oats and chocolate pieces. Swallowing and chewing she repeated the process until she was done with her breakfast. Turning to Carter who was in the sleeping bag she blinked her bright blue eyes giving her strawberry red hair and combing her fingers into her hair to calm it. “Hey Carter I think it’s time to wake up....can you wake up for me Cart.....” Giving a smile and watching him from her position on the log.

Addalyn 
Mostly staying in her spot throughout the night as the sun’s ray shined down in both teens and a bird sung the morning chirping song as usual. Blinking her hazel-green eyes awake as she adjusted to the morning light. “Good morning Simon...” Smiling and looking at the black haired boy she rubbed Gemni who slept beside her. “Well what do you want to do first Simon....of course you Buffy..” holding out her hands and calling Buffy she smiled reaching into her bag and taking out a treat for the brindle colored dog. Gemni have a short whine before standing up and shaking her black and white fur moving over to Simon and licking his nose and lips slobber coming off her tongue as she moved to his ear licking inside of it and wagging her tail happily. Giggling and watching what Gemni did she covered her mouth with a hand to stop the giggling as she held out another treat for Gemni to stop attacking Simon with licks. 

Carter

Carter woke up periodically during the night, feeling the bumpy terrain of hiding rocks underneath him. When he was finally able to get a good sleep it was only a few hours before the sun was to rise. A cold draft hit him as he felt Morgan leave the sleeping bag. He rolled over, snuggling up to Pearl, not really wanting to get up. He felt completely exhausted from the lack of sleep he got. But when he heard Morgan's voice and the constant pushing of Pearl trying to get him up, he had no choice. He eyes opened blurredly to the rays of the sun hitting his face. "Morning," he whispered out as he lifted himself into a sitting position. He gave a small smile as he rubbed his eyes before completely opening them to meet the smile Morgan was giving him. He slowly made it to his feet and over next to Morgan on the log. "Pearl come," he spoke to Pearl who obediently came to his side. Carter opened her pack and grabbed the ration of dog kibble along with the bowl that was left out from the night before. He poured some kibble into it, allowing for Pearl to eat before he turned and grabbed some trail mix from his bag. "How was you night's sleep," he asked Morgan between mouthfuls of trail mix. After a few more mouthfuls of trail mix, he closed the bag, putting it back in his pack before pulling out some water and sharing it with Pearl. He the grabbed his medicine, quickly taking it. "I woke up during the night with rocks jabbing me in the ribs," he spoke again.

Simon

Simon moved around the entire night, though tried his best to keep space between him an Addy. He was used to the lumpy terrain for the most part, but every now and then he would feel a rock of a tree limb jab him in the side. When he woke, he felt a warm wetness hitting his entire face following the laughter from Addy. His nose scrunched up as he wiped his face and opened his eyes to the canine responsible for the attacks. He shook his head with a laugh, giving Gemni a scratch behind the ears. "Thank you for such a wonderful way of waking me," he said with more laughter. "I'm almost surprised it wasn't Buffy attacking me." His face now felt sticky from the slobber that coated his face and had now dried. He turned a gave Buffy a scratch behind the ears, knowing that the canine was jealous for attention. "Well first we need to take down our shelter so that we can reuse it," he started as he pulled out Buffy's ration of kibble into a small collapsible bowl. "But I have a map that might help us find our way to the group." He pulled the map out of his pack, unfolding it and scanning it. "The group supposedly got her yesterday." He pointed to the falls on the map. "And I heard running water that way." He pointed with his other hand to the left of them, back the way he had come from. "Which means we are somewhere along this creek." He finger moved from the falls and followed a creek. There were very few creeks in this area, but he was still uncertain of the validity of their actual location. "So I suppose we should head towards the moving water and make our way from there. I think if we stay near the water, there's a good chance of us making it to the group."

Morgan
Watching Carter eat she shook her head smiling at him, running a hand down her strawberry red hair she blinked her blue eyes at him. "Well, during the night the ground was uncomfortable and I think I might've rolled onto your side but I'm not sure about that." blushing and taking a sip from the water bottle in her hands she screwed the cap back on. Putting the bowl into her back pack and collecting the trash and starting to pack up from there stay here in the woods. Looking at Ryker she smiled rubbing his head and kissing him gently. Ryker gave a bark and spun on the leash that Morgan had connected him to and leaned into a play bow wagging his butt in the air. Shaking her head and then going to the sleeping bag she began to roll it up. Picking it up and giving it to Carter she scanned her blue eyes around the small clearing. "Well I think we're ready to start hiking again and try to find the group." offering the idea and getting all her stuff together she adjusted her boots and then stood with the nylon leash in her hand ready to start the day of hiking, hoping they would find the group soon.

Addalyn
Nodding and listening to what Simon had said she pulled out the bowl and poured half of a cup into Gemni's bowl. Standing up and wincing she looked down at her swollen ankle that had seemed to decrease the swelling. Pulling out a banana from her pack and peeling it she began to eat it, taking small bites out and then swallowing and repeating the process till she was done. Taking a sip of her water bottle she poured the rest in Gemni's bowl and put her blanket and lights she had in her back pack. "I'm ready to go but as I told you I'm just going to slow us down...." sighing and blinking her hazel-green eyes she limped away from the tree being careful not to trip over another root or anything in her way. Holding the nylon leash and pulling it slightly, Gemni came to her side ready to began on another hike. Giving a high pitched bark and wagging her black and white tipped tail she gave another bark of happiness of starting on the walk. Addy looked down rubbing Gemni and then taking another step forward hoping the group wasn't too far ahead of them. 

Carter

Carter nodding, feeling the pain of not being comfortable and relieved that it wasn't just him. He downed the last few drops from the bottle, placing the empty container back in his bag. He packed the remainder of the items before accepting the now rolled up sleeping bag from Morgan and stuffing it into his bag. "And which direction might that possibly be that we are to be headed," he asked slowly as he looked around for any more trash. He didn't see anything else and focused his attention back to Morgan, expecting a valid answer that she might possibly know which way they needed to go. 

Simon

Simon nodded holding out a hand to steady Addy. When he was sure that she could hold herself up, he dropped his arm and began to untie the rope from the trees and folding the tarp up. Placing everything in his bag, he cleared the area of any existence that they had stayed the night there. "Alright, I suppose we can head out now," he stated as he untied Buffy's leather leash from around the tree limb and holding a tight grip to it. He slung the bag around his shoulders, peering around one last time for anything they might have left behind. Seeing none, he gave a small smile to Addy before joining her side. "I could carry you if you'd like so that you wouldn't be slowing us down," he joked following the statement by a small laugh. He wrapped an arm around her, just under her arms so that most of her weight was off the sprained ankle.

Morgan
Nodding and looking around “Well they did say they were going to some fall type thing so I guess try to find water....” Offering the idea and walking in a direction that she thought was the right way according to the little map she was holding. “C’mon Carter....I’m almost certain this is the right way to the area....” blinking her blue eyes and leading the way towards to find the sound of water or any signs of another human close by. “So Carter....how are you feeling with being lost with me?” Offering the question out and biting her lip in the corner she continued on her hike with Ryker by herside panting happily and  shaking his butt back and fourth. 

Addalyn 
Blushing a bit as Simon helped her up she followed after him slowly. “If you can hold me I’d think my ankle wouldn’t mind a break....” Letting Simon help her she stepped forward with Gemni on her other side leaning against her leg and wagging her black and white tail as she leaned against Addy. “So Simon can we find the group or any other human beings.... I mean your good company and all but just the two of us I don’t think if some wild animal cane you or Buffy or Gemni could protect me or you in that case.... just safety in numbers is key to a survival situation.....” blinking her eyes and resting in his arms she hung on behind his neck with her arms as he carried her. “I mean your probably like the only boy I’ve had a actual conversation with....” blushing a bit and fumbling with the leash in her hand she smiled at Simon. 

Carter

Carter gulped a breath of air, an uneasy feeling was beginning to settle in the pit of his stomach. He felt Pearl lean her weight against his leg, placing her head in the palm of his hand. He patted it softly exhaling a sigh. Morgan had already set foot in a direction that was supposedly the right direction. At least Carter hoped it was. He took a few steps forward hesitantly. Trying his best, he placed his shaking hands behind him. A small nudge came at his leg, Pearl urging him forward. His pace evened out and soon he had caught up to Morgan. He was more at ease now. Weaving his way through the trees, he stepped over fallen logs and occasionally had to brush spider webs from his  face. "Well, if I'm honest, the whole being lost part is a total nightmare, probably the worst experience of my life," he began, "But admittedly, I am glad that you got lost too." A laugh escaped his lips as a thought came to mind. "I mean it's nice to know that I'm not the only one that can so easily get separated from a group out in the middle of nowhere," he joked.

Simon

Simon adjusted his bag, positioning it on his shoulders to lay against his chest. His knees bent slightly as he allowed Addy to wrap her arms around his neck. His arms snaked under the backs of her knees. Simon brought himself upright, holding Addy up on his back. "Ready to go," he questioned. He began to walk through the forest of trees back in the direction that he had come from the day before. Buffy zigzagged along the path, tugging on the leash as her tail wagged eagerly. Simon tugged back on the leash causing Buffy to glance back and slow her pace. "Of course we will find the group, we just need to follow the creek up stream," Simon stated confidently. "Although I am offended that you think that I can't fend of a wild animal," he pouted jokingly, a laugh forming. Simon stopped briefly, readjusting his hands around Addy's legs from where she was beginning to slide down off of his back. The sound of moving water hit his ears. "Sounds like we are getting close to the creek, I can hear it." He continued moving forward in pursuit of the water, happy to hear the sound of it.

Morgan || Ryker 

The strawberry red headed girl nodded as she watched Carter fall into step beside her. “Maybe we aren’t the only ones lost...maybe there’s more post but I’m not sure about that.....besides it was a fairly large group and your fun to be with.” Holding onto Ryker’s leash and blinking her blue eyes at him with a smile. “I mean if I were by myself I’d try to find running water and make my way by following thst upstream to the falls where were supposed to stay for a couple nights.” Spotting the running river her bright blue eyes gleaming with pride. “C’mon Carter”lacing her soft smaller hand with his and tugging foreward quicking her pace a bit to reach the river’s shore. Ryker pulling at his leash and harness giving a load bark of joy and pulling at the leash harder to reach the destination.

Addalyn || Gemni 

Staying on Simon’s back with a smile thst grew wider upon hearing the same sound that Simon heard. Giving a little giggle and keeping her arms around his neck with Gemni’s leash attached to her bag and the small black and white border collie trotting behind them. “Thanks for being lost with me Simon... I just hope we can find the group is all not that you can’t protect us from a wild animal you probably could and all.” Smiling and resting her head on his shoulder her light blonde hair blowing aganist Simon’s neck and to the side. Hearing a bark that reached her ears, jaw dropping  and looking down to Gemni and Buffy. “Was that a dog Simon?” Hope flooded through her veins of being found by the group or more lost teens like them. 

(They could find each other if that’s okay?

Carter || Pearl

Carter nodded his head in agreement, instantly wondering if there actually were others that had gotten lost besides him and Morgan. The warmth of Morgan's hand entwined with his as he was pulled along, causing him to go at a faster pace. Soon the sight of a river came into view and Carter slowed down and came to a stop. Pearl instantly went to the water's edge and lapped up some of the water. "That took almost no time at all," Carter pointed out. His hand was still entwined with Morgan's while the other held on to the leash attached to Pearl. His eyes watched the flow of the river as he tugged Pearl back to his side, giving her a pat when she obeyed. "So I'm guessing we head that way," he said pointing a finger in the direction that the water was coming from.

Simon || Buffy

Simon felt the tickle of hair at the side of his neck as Addy laid her head against his shoulder. A smile graced his features. "Being lost with you isn't the worst thing in the world," he stated with a laugh. The sound of rushing water was so close to his ears. Simon could tell that Buffy wanted to get there as soon as possible too from the constant tugging and pulling at the leash. "Buffy hee-" His command was cut short when he heard the sound of a bark. He looked down at Buffy who stood on alert, then turned to look at Gemni. The bark had come from neither of the two. Buffy continued to tug at the leash, obviously wanting to go to the source of the bark. Simon allowed her to direct them, the sound of the river increasing. The water came into view and it brought Simon to a halt. His eyes scanned the area, but there was no sign of a dog or anyone else for that matter. Buffy was still at his side, nose to the ground and trying to find the dog. "I don't see anyone." Just as the words left Simon's mouth, his eyes landed on a pair of hikers with two dogs next them. The sight made Simon happy. The guy was pointing in Simon's direction, eyes locking as they noticed one another. "Nevermind," he mumbled, taking back his previous words.

Morgan || Ryker 

Still holding Carter’s hand with a smile her eyes following after where Carter pointed. Blue eyes blinking softly and smiling her head turning spotting the two hikers and there dogs. “Carter look is that more people....pinch me because this has to be dream.” Glancing to her side and watching Carter’s facial expression before setting off keeping her hand laced with his. Ryker straning at his leash till Morgan led them in the direction of the new dogs. Giving another excited bark and wagging his butt happily at the other two humans and dogs. “Hello, I’m Morgan and this is my um boy.... I mean friend Carter and his dog Pearl and mine Ryker....” smiling and holding out a hand for whichever one to shake first. 

Addalyn || Gemni 

Hearing the words Simon said caused the hopeful light deep in her chest to die exhaling a breath she had been holding in. A smile forming back as Simon said Nevermind and pointed to were they wear. “Simon do you think there fromour group?” Head slightly tilting and keeping her position on his back with a tighter grip on making sure she didn’t fall off of him. As the strawberry red head tugged the boy beside her hearing them introduce thereselves. “I’m Addalyn....but you can call me Addy....” still keeping her head rested on Simon’s shoulder hiding her head a bit her anxiety and shyness seeping into her bones hiding her face a bit pushing herself closer to Simon and breathing in quietly her hot breath hitting his neck hairs for a moment before shyly peeking out once more. 

Carter || Pearl

Carter looked in the direction of his pointed finger, his eyes landing on a pair of hikers. "Only if you pinch me too," he mumbled a response as he stared at the two. His hand lowered as he registered that he was being pulled along forward by Morgan. The hikers came closer to his view and he gulped a breath of air. He hadn't actually expected for others to be away from the group. Are they lost too? Or were they sent to find him and Morgan? He scratched the thought from his head and his feet brought him to a stop by Morgan's side. Pearl had followed behind a few paces, uncaring about the other two dogs and strange people. She kept herself close to Carter though, tucking herself at his side as usual. Carter gave a small smile when Morgan introduced him to the two hikers.

Simon || Buffy

Simon watched as the two hikers approached with their dogs. Buffy tugged at the leash, a whine coming from her as she wagged her tail eagerly to greet the two unfamiliar canines. "Buffy," Simon called as he lightly tugged back against the leash to make her sit. A nod came as an answer to Addy's question, "I think they are." A smile formed as happiness came over him. They weren't the only ones out in the forest away from the group. "I'm Simon," he replied following Addy's introduction of herself, "And this is Buffy and that is Gemni." He gestured to each of the dogs before reaching his hand out to take Morgan's. "So are you guys supposed to be with the group staying at the falls too," he questioned. He felt Addy tighten her grip around him which caused him to tighten his own grip around her legs.