The Ruin's Secrets

Nyomi

I ate a few more bites. I wanted to stop -I had never been much of an eater- but something told me I would need the fuel. So I reluctantly finished off the rest and pushed my plate away. Some of the girls were giggling at the trainers, most of whom were guys not much older than us. I snorted.

"Can you believe them?" I said to Tash.

"I know. I mean, seriously, people! Guys aren't that special!" she agreed. I had grown up serving men - and helping a few with hangovers- and had pretty much killed off any part of me that swooned over attractive guys.

Koosha climbed off Tash's shoulder and leapt onto mine, then promptly ascended to my head. Tash raised her eyebrows at me.

"Hun, I worked at an inn. Nothing surprises, freaks, or stops me anymore."

"Ah."

"Exactly."

TASHIKA

I chuckled and fiddled with a slice of bread. "You know, I trained secretly with a general. General Talin."

Nyomi blinked at me. "Wasn't he hanged?"

I nodded and clucked my tongue gently. Koosha looked over at me and returned to my shoulder, reaching for the piece of fruit I had extended to her. "He was my uncle. I was actually the reason he was hanged." I sighed loudly and turned my head. Two of the girls were giggling excessively and pointing at one of the men.

"I'm sorry," she whispered.

I shrugged. "So was I. He told me not to be, so I'll tell you the same. Don't be."

One of the girls let out an overly-squealy laugh and I rolled my eyes. "How many of us do you think're here?" I asked absently, changing the subject.

She glanced around the table quickly. "Thirty? Fourty maybe?"

I nodded, grinning. "And how many do you think will make it past the first day?" I asked coyly.

She glanced around again and chuckled. "Probably about twelve."

I chuckled again and nodded.

Darcen

I shoved a slice of bread in my mouth and laughed at some comment made by one of the men. I couldn't be sure who it was, heck, I didn't even know what he had said. It had sent the others off laughing, so I figured it had to have been a little funny.

I eyed one of the girls. Seemed to me like everybody was talking to somebody. Except her. That and Floosh was sitting beside her when he should be over here with me. I rose from my seat, earning me a few glances, but I was mostly ignored. I walked around the table to the girl and ruffled the feathers on Floosh's head.

"I think he likes you," I said casually, face emotionless. The girl looked up at me, her face equally as expressionless. "You got a name?"

"Kassie."

Well she was energetic. "Darcen. I just came over to make sure Floosh here wasn't bothering you." Floosh shrieked at me, and it looked as though he was scowling and I couldn't supress a slight chuckle.

GENERAL TORREAL

I walked in behind the warriors and cleared my throat. All head turned towards me, attentively. The giggling and chatter ceased for a moment. "After you are done eating, feel free to explore. Do not venture into the forest surrounding the ruins." I turned to Darcen and cocked an eyebrow, he returned the gesture.

The talking continued. "Did I say I was done?" I bellowed. The room quieted again. "Thank you. Now, as for the men, I am going to need you to remain here after the meal. We have things I need to get through those thick skulls of yours. Do I make myself clear?"

There were a series of nods and yeses. Before leaving, I flicked Adrian on the head. For no reason really, just because he was the closest to me and I could. With that I left the room and they returned to their chatter, although it seemed slightly more nervous than before. At this I grinned.

Kristin

I picked away at my food, avoiding my meat. I sat as far away from everyone as I could. I wondered why I wasn't really hungry, I really just wanted to throw-up every where. But I had more self control then that. I looked up at every one's chattering. They all seemed to be enjoying themselves. I scowled at any guy who looked over at me. I really hated men. I shoved the plate away from me and sat back, crossing my arms across my chest. I was ready to be a warrior, I spent my whole life practicing manly stuff like this. I grunted at the memories of being teased for wearing man's clothing. I would show them... I'd show them all!
"Why aren't you eating?" I looked up at the newcomer.

*could be anyone*

**Ish, would you do me a huge favor and bring my characters in? I have NO time D:**

Fell
I walked to the edge of a tall precepice. The rabbit stood, quivering, cornered.
"Don't worry buddy, I won't hurt you," I said, carefully taking the bunny in my arms. Within seconds, she relaxed. Once we got back to the camp, a girl came up to me and said, "Hi, I'm Tashika. You must be Fell." She stuck out her hand.
I shook it enthusiastically.
"You brought dinner," she commented.
I shielded the brown bunny. "This is Tammie, she's my pet."
Tashika laughed. "You can't have pets here."
I looked at Tammie and said, "Who says I can't? Besides, I've seen that monkey of yours."
"A monkey can survive here but not a rabbit!"
I looked at Tashika and said, "I don't understand."
Tashika groaned and stomped away stormily.
I proceeded to inspect the ruins, then walked over to a girl who was picking at her food.
"Why aren't you eating?" I asked. She looked up.
"Eating is crucial to your health, you know," I said, sitting down beside her. "And meat, well, I don't eat it. I can't help thinking about the little bunnies it came from."
The girl looked at me as if I was different and then nodded slowly. "Like that one you've got there?"
I smiled. "Yes, exactly like this one."

Rave~

Rave smiled brightly at the girl, shaking her hair out of her face. She looked down at the meat on her plate and felt ashamed for a moment. Then again, she wasn't the one eating it. As if on cue, Dusk stepped out, beside Rave, his tail wagging back and forth as he licked her cheek like a dog. "I don't eat meat either actually." She laughed softly, holding the meat out to Dusk. The wolf took it gently, and curled into a circle, eating the meat like it was the only thing he'd had in weeks. "This is Dusk." She pet the wolf gently and his tail thumped the ground. "And I'm Rave, but a lot of people call me Rae." She smiled cheekily.

"Wow... he's beautiful." The girl smiled softly, fear evident in her eyes, obviously for her rabbit. "I'm Fell, and this is Tammie." She lifted the bunny gingerly.

"Don't worry, he doesn't eat pets, he's trained better than that." Rave laughed softly. "Can I hold her?" She motioned to the bunny.

Fell seemed a bit reluctant, but handed the soft animal over eventually. Dusk looked up, his golden eyes wide, and licked the rabbit's ear quickly before going back to his meal. "See, just tasting her." At Fell's horrorfied face, Rave giggled softly. "I'm just joking Fell," she grinned, and handed the bunny back before taking a bite of the vegetables on her plate.

Mitchel~

Mitch guffawed loudly with the men, and bit into his large turkey leg, quickly finishing off his meal. Who to bother, who to bother? He grinned and set off through the camp, eventually finding Darcen. Clubbing his fellow soldier on the shoulder, Mitchel smiled charmingly at the girl Darcen was talking to. "Hello gorgeous," he beamed, taking a seat ON the table.

"What are you doing Brendenton?" Darcen growled lightly, the bird squawing at Mitchel.

"Oh shut up you chicken," he growned, smirking back at Darcen. "Well... I would like someone to fight with for a little bit, maybe work off some of that grub." He smirled cockily, running his finger across the hilt of his sword.

DARCEN

I cocked an eyebrow at Mitchell and crossed my arms. "A fight eh?" I grinned crookedly. "You're on." I glanced over at Kassie, apologetically. "You understand of course. I don't usually say no to a challenge."

She just nodded and looked back to her food.

Torreal came through the door then, crossing his arms. "If it's a fight you want boys, it'll wait until after supper." He grinned crookedly. "When we can get a nice audience for you."

I nodded, my grin broadening. Floosh gave off an excited shriek.

TASHIKA

I walked back into the small dining-room and tapped Nyomi's arm. She looked about done. "I want to do a bit of exploring," I whispered. Koosha jumped onto Nyomi's shoulder and wrapped her arms around the girl's head.

Nyomi laughed and reached up to give the monkey a scratch. "Where do you plan on going?"

"Finding out where the heck we're supposed to sleep?" I suggested, shrugging. "You coming or not?"

(Note: Darcen is a guy. Check profiles. >.>)

Mitchel smiled charmingly at the girl Darcen was talking to. "Hello gorgeous," he beamed, taking a seat ON the table.

Sorry, changed it, but that's what I meant. I know Darcen's a guy

Oh wow...Uh, where is my character? Where is everyone? I'm lost!

~I ARE DINO NINJA!~

Ninja, your charrie is still in the little dining-room thinger. Darcen had been talking to her. He's still there with the general and Mitchell.

~Kassie~

I went back to staring aimlessly at my food. I wasn't all that hungry, but I'd regret it soon enough, so I picked some meat off of the bone, and put it in my mouth, needing the strength that I knew I would need. I mostly played with the rest, mixing it into strange mixtures, then tasting them. The man seemed nice, in a way. Fighting was way out of my league, and if that was what we were going to do, I should probably sneak off while I could.

Most of these men looked dangerous, and I didn't want to be hurt more. If I did talk to someone, they would be nice, and they wouldn't leave to fight. Hm. I leaned my head on my hand, and stared off into space again, just thinking.

The next thing I knew, someone was waving their hand in front of my face. I blinked, not realizing how deep into thought I was in.

Adrian:

I stared down at my plate, ignoring the General when he flicked me. There was food on my plate still, but I didn't feel like eating. I stood abruptly and turned away from the table, planning on leaving the room.

"Merrick, where're you goin'?" someone called and I paused, staring intently at the door.

"Not far," I called back and started walking again. The General was standing just outside the room when I left. He gave me a confused look. "Don't ask," I muttered and swept past him.

Krista:

I picked at my food, unwilling to eat. I wasn't that hungry... My stomach rumbled. Okay, I was. I picked up a piece of meat and started chewing on it absently. While I was eating, I saw Adrian get up and leave. Ah, so he was here. Interesting.

Someone tapped me on the shoulder and I relaised I was staring after Adrian... Whoops.

(I was looking for a place to bring my character in. Shadow, I'll help you out.)

Marcus Yule

I stood against the wall, a cup of mead in my hand and an empty dish at my feet. The General's words rattled in my head as I took another sip from the cup. If General Niles hadn't asked me here, I wouldn't have come. Scanning the table I found a young lady staring off into space. I smiled as I walked over to her.

I ran my hand along the maple wood table letting my fingers follow the line of the grain. She didn't even notice I was standing right in beside her. I waved my hand in front of her face and she immediately snapped back to reality. "I wouldn't do that if I were you."

"And why not?" She looked at me with disgust.

I'm not happy about this whole thing either missy! "The General will weed out the weak and unmotivated quickly. I don't want to know what happens to those who are kicked out."

"He said we'd go home."

I couldn't help but laugh at the remark. It took me a minute to regain my composer. "Maybe my dear maybe, but maybe not."

"What?" She now showed a face of concern and nerves.

I smiled, "This is so top secret non of us soldiers knew what we were going to be doing here until we arrived. Hell, I still have no clue of the purpose behind it, but it's obviously too big to leave to chance." I took another sip of mead and looked over at the General. He gave me an ill look and I simply smiled. "Don't worry, I'm sure you'll be fine. I'll look out for you."

Her face scowled, "I don't need your protection!"

Once again I let out laugh, "Here," I placed the cup on the table, "You'll need this, calms the nerves and helps you sleep." I turned and began walking away, but paused a moment, "I almost forgot, the names Marcus. Good luck." As I said this I grabbed a wrapped pole and slung it across my shoulders.

I came to stand next to the General who still had his gaze upon me. "Get these people to there quarters Marcus."

"Sir yes sir. You heard him maggots, dinner time's over! Follow me to your rooms!" I had too much fun with this. I walked out of the Hall along with a few other soldiers and watched as the young women poured out.

"Marcus!" I turned to see the General, "Be sure to return right after."

I grinned and began walking, the girl I had approached next to me.

(Sorry if it's too much, just wanted to move the story along.)

>Long is good. This might be a little short, sorry<

~Kassie~

I wasn't sure what he had meant exactly, but the sound of sleep made me relax a little more. As though I could sleep. I would probably be up all night, thinking about his words. But Maybe not. They rang through my head as I walked out, eyeing him on my way.

So far today, I had been ignored by all of the girls here--my fault for not making conversation--and talked to by two of the men. Joy. I only hoped tomarrow was better. I handed the cup back to the man, and turned slowly, hoping he would explain. I wasn't sure what there was to explain though. I hadn't drank anything from the cup, not sure what was in it,, and I didn't want to sleep. I would be cranky in the morning, but I would be as gentle as usual. I was as harmless as a fly, and I seemed to be as useless as one.