Snippet #1756916

OOC: Sorry it took me; I was gonna post last night but company came over and I didn't have time.

Alexander filled a large tan leather pack. He found himself frustrated when it was only filled halfway and he'd packed nearly everything he would need to survive for a week. There was a survivalist book in the pack that would tell him what would and wouldn't be safe to eat on the trail. There were arrows, a dagger, coin, clothing... all sorts of items. He had three canteens just for himself to be filled with water from the creek that cut through their village before they left.

He heard his brother enter the room. He was hesitant to begin packing, and then tried to get Alexander's attention. He mentioned his fear of dying the way that Thomas did. Alexander set down the map he was going to pack, and then sighed. "It won't be easy, Mark. It's going to be scary and hard and... not fun. But Tommy didn't deserve this. I want his ghost to be contented knowing that his family will do all that they can to avenge him; as cliche as that may sound." Alexander made sure the map was folded properly before setting it into his bag. "If you're not ready for this or feel that you're too young, then stay here. I know Mother could use the company during this time. If you're tagging along, pack your things. Food, weapons, water. I've got the map. As soon as we're done here, we're going to see Phillip and buy two horses off of him."

Slowly, half an hour passed. Elaine's wails in the kitchen never ceased, nor did Alexander's determination. He stood, looking around his room to make sure he hadn't missed even one arrow or canteen. When he was confident that he hadn't, he heaved the leather pack up and carried it to the living room. Alexander quickly realized that he would gain a lot of arm strength from lifting this pack on and off of his horse. Exhaling loudly as he set it down on the floor of the living room, he left to enter the kitchen. He embraced his mother again, trying to calm her. "I can't fix this, Mom, but I'm going to make you and him proud." She stayed quiet, burying her face into her son's shoulder. He continued, "I'm going to talk to Marissa about her coming to stay with you while we're away. Don't be surprised if she knocks on your door with packed bags. I'll be back to get my pack after I acquire a horse, and... I'll be off then."

Alexander kept his tears back and tried his hardest to make the lump in his throat disappear. He turned away from her, back to the living room. "Mark, if you're coming, let's go." Alexander didn't want to be in this house of grief and dread any longer.