Similar Yet Distant (Rory)

aquatic mammalian wh0re
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Similar Yet Distant (Rory) Apr 22, 2012 16:20:41 GMT -5

Post by aquatic mammalian wh0re on Apr 22, 2012 16:20:41 GMT -5

I slowly strolled out the front doors of the school. Most of the other kids had already left, going off to do who knows what. The woods were my destination today, where I could be alone. Maybe chop a tree or two, carve some wood -- anything to get my mind off the craziness of the day.

I reached my favorite part of the woods, the area that was most dense with trees and teeming with wildlife. I feared the day that the lumberjacks would clear the whole place out. Not like there weren't plenty of other wooded areas to go, but this place was special. It was where my brother taught me to chop, and how to carve. It would hold my fondest memories forever. No way would I let a bunch of axed maniacs chop it all down.

Whistling a light tune, I walk over the large rock near the edge of the woods, covered by mosses and bushes. This was where I stored my axe, my carving tools, and several pieces of oak. I picked up a chunk of wood I had been working on, and my best knife, and strolled further in to find a nice tree to sit on. But then it registered in my ears. The sound of chopping. Someone is defiling my woods? The thought was nearly unbearable. Anyone destroying this place was something I wouldn't take.

I ran towards the source of the sound, and there was a boy. A boy my age, hacking away at MY tree. Well, not my tree, but in my area. This needs to stop!

"What are you doing?!"

(OOC: Here's a link to my character's bio: thehungergamesrpg.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=lowmidchar&action=display&thread=34952
Thanks!)

Last Edit: Apr 22, 2012 16:38:22 GMT -5 by aquatic mammalian wh0re

Telcontar
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Similar Yet Distant (Rory) Apr 22, 2012 16:52:35 GMT -5

Post by Telcontar on Apr 22, 2012 16:52:35 GMT -5

Chop.

An angry growl flowed from Rory’s lips as his axe head lodged itself into the tree, cutting way through the outer layer of bark and sitting deep into the phloem layer. His anger had one root – his Mother. Yet again he had found her throwing away leftover food when Rory specifically asked to take it down into the village. But she never listened.

“If they worked harder, they’d have enough food! They don’t need our help!” she would say. That was always her excuse.

He pulled his axe free of the tree, his veins beginning to bulge out through the outer layer of skin. With a long sigh, he gripped the handle tighter.

Chop.

His aim was perfect as the axe pushed through the groove that he had previously chopped, cutting through the phloem and almost hitting the annual ring. The tree was fairly young, and easy for Rory’s strong arms to cut through. Woodchips flew out as his axe struck the tree, littering the ground around him.

Chop.

A soft sigh passed the boy’s lips this time. Being angry at his mother would not be productive. He had to find some other way to get through to her. There had to be a way.

Rory froze as he heard a voice around him. He spun on his heel quickly before facing down the boy who stood before him. He was taller than Rory, but the Carpenter’s son felt that he could easily out-muscle him on this occasion.

“What does it look like? I’m chopping wood,” Rory said with a surly voice. He hated when people interrupted his chopping. And it was even worse when the interruption was not from an elder who knew better than Rory, but from somebody as young and inexperienced as he was.

”What’s it to you?”

aquatic mammalian wh0re
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Similar Yet Distant (Rory) Apr 22, 2012 17:05:40 GMT -5

Post by aquatic mammalian wh0re on Apr 22, 2012 17:05:40 GMT -5

I was thrown off a bit by his rudeness, but I didn't let it show and decided to just shrug it off. I learned not to resent people for being arrogant or rude, because that's exactly how I was a lot of the time. The boy seemed ticked off about something. Maybe he was usually a nice kid, but something was bugging him today.. I wasn't sure, but he didn't really look like a... softie. Messing with him wouldn't be a good idea, but I couldn't let him continue chopping here.

"Well, I know it's not really my place to ask of this," I say slowly, "but um.. This is kind of a special part of the woods for me. I'd be devastated if anyone were to chop down all the trees." I made sure not to look scared or anything, but inside I was a little embarassed asking him this. I know I would be annoyed if I were in his shoes. I waited for the shout, or the weird look, or maybe even a threat. Careful Vern, I thought. Do not get yourself into trouble.

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Similar Yet Distant (Rory) Apr 22, 2012 17:19:31 GMT -5

Post by Telcontar on Apr 22, 2012 17:19:31 GMT -5

Rory’s vision turned red as the boy asked him to stop. What was it with people today? Rory didn’t say anything, however. He kept his cool and breathed out slowly, before gripping his axe tighter and turning back to the tree. With all of his strength he brought the axe forwards into the notch. With the full force of the 17-year-old’s muscles behind it, the axe passed right through the centre point of the tree and far past it into the other half.

It almost cut clean through the opposite bark, but it wasn’t far through enough for the tree to fall naturally. With a growl, Rory placed his hands on the trunk before spreading his knees to shoulder width and beginning to push.

His muscles bulged with strength as he pushed, and slowly but surely the tree began to tilt. Rory’s axe remained imbedded into the wood, but it began to slowly loosen as the tree started to fall. His father had always told him never to do this – but he had seen other, older boys doing it out in the woods from time to time.

With a roar, Rory gave the tree one final push, and a deep crack echoed out through the forest. The tree collapsed away from the lumberjack, landing on the ground with an almighty crash.

And then, Rory’s leg collapsed.

He fell down to one knee as pain racked through his entire body, threatening to knock him unconscious. His scar burned with pain as he tried to stand on it, but it was no use. This had happened to him before – and it always ended up with him either calling for help or waiting the long hours for the pain the recede.

”There’s… Your tree…” Rory said slowly, his breathing ragged and heavy. He began to pull himself away from the downed tree slowly, using his arms and one working leg, shuffling along the ground. He gripped his axe tightly in one hand before throwing it in the direction it was moving, the blade sinking vertically into a tree not too far away. He made his way over to it before resting his back against the trunk, letting out a sigh. ”You can keep the rest…”

aquatic mammalian wh0re
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Similar Yet Distant (Rory) Apr 22, 2012 17:49:29 GMT -5

Post by aquatic mammalian wh0re on Apr 22, 2012 17:49:29 GMT -5

Completely ignoring my words, the boy turned back around and continued attacking the tree! What nerve.. I thought to myself. The tree was almost completely cut through, and the boy decided to start pushing at it. What the hell is he doing? I thought everyone knew not to do that. It's supposed to be a strenuous task! I had never done it myself before, but I had heard that you shouldn't from more than one person, and never bothered to try it. Now this jerk was doing it, and I figured I couldn't do anything about it except watch.

Disturbing the peace and quiet of the woods, the tree came barreling down with a huge crash. I flinched, hurt by the disgrace, when suddenly a yelp escaped the boy's mouth. He collapsed onto the floor, on one knee, and apparently he was in a whole lot of pain. I didn't see any blood, so he couldn't have been injured by the axe. What was it then? What the hell is going on?

My fear of this kid and his brute vanished, and I almost felt bad for him. Especially once he started dragging his seemingly injured leg across the woods. He looked weak, and was already sweating buckets, and I didn't know how to react. He said something to me, but I didn't really catch it. He was far too short of breath to be audible. Why, though?

I slowly walked toward his crumpled form, sitting at the base of a tree, seeing him now as more of an animal, injured by some hunter and unable to help itself. What choice do I have except to help him? Could his injury have happened because of me?

"My God, are you okay?" I said to him quietly. I could now hear the heavy breath and light shudders escaping from his body. [/font]

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Similar Yet Distant (Rory) Apr 22, 2012 18:32:13 GMT -5

Post by Telcontar on Apr 22, 2012 18:32:13 GMT -5

A groan escaped Rory’s lips as the other boy approached him. He loathed for people to see him like this – so weak, so helpless. He turned his head to the side, trying to hide his pain, but it was no use. He couldn’t block out the stabbing pain that was quickly flooding into his whole body, as hard as he tried.

Reaching down to his leg, he gripped the cloth of his trousers before pulling with all of his strength, ripping them at the knee. He removed the cloth from his lower leg, leaving it bare. The scar that ran the length of his lower leg was inflamed and red, throbbing with each of Rory’s heartbeats. And each throb caused a new wave of pain to rush through his body, leaving his face contorted and pain-ridden.

The Carpenter’s son wrapped the cloth from his trouser leg around his scar before pulling it tight, causing a fresh pain to rush through his limb. He gritted his teeth to stop himself from shouting out before tying the cloth tightly on the opposite side of his leg. As he finished he allowed his arms to flop to his side, his whole body tired from the exertion.

”It’s just an old injury, nothing to concern yourself with. And don’t worry, it doesn’t look I’ll be cutting down any more of your precious trees today,” Rory said with venom in his voice, before letting out a groan. Whoever this kid was, it wasn’t his fault. He sighed softly before turning to face him.

”The name’s Rory. Rory Carpenter,” Rory said, extending his hand in greeting to the boy.

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Similar Yet Distant (Rory) Apr 22, 2012 18:41:49 GMT -5

Post by aquatic mammalian wh0re on Apr 22, 2012 18:41:49 GMT -5

The boy continued to writhe and groan in pain, and I stared in horror as he ripped part of the cloth from his pants. I could tell he was very strong, both physically and emotionally, but searing pain is something that takes everyone and makes them feel and look weak, even if they aren't. There was a huge scar on his calf, which seemed to have happened years ago, although it must have been a bad injury.

After tying the cloth around his leg, the tension in the boy's body released, and he relaxed for a moment, breathing quickly.

"It's just an old injury, nothing to concern yourself with. And don't worry, it doesn't look like I'll be cutting down any more of your precious tree's today," the boy hissed. His voice was harsh, but his eyes revealed his pain. I knew it was a cover. He didn't want me to see him like this, but I couldn't help it. I wouldn't leave him, even if he wanted me to. Finally, the boy seemed to lighten up, and he introduced himself, holding out his hand for me to shake. He had taken on a new attitude -- not exactly friendly, but not as harsh as before.

I blinked before taking his hand in mine and shaking it, not a hint of a smile on either of our faces. "Vern Lockwood. Nice to meet you."

Last Edit: Apr 22, 2012 18:42:13 GMT -5 by aquatic mammalian wh0re

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Similar Yet Distant (Rory) Apr 22, 2012 18:53:43 GMT -5

Post by Telcontar on Apr 22, 2012 18:53:43 GMT -5

Rory nodded as Vern accepted his handshake. As their hands pulled apart, Rory’s hands went back to his leg, holding the fabric tighter over his burning scar. He groaned as he did so, closing his eyes in an attempt to hide his pain. After a few seconds it died down, and he slowly opened his eyes.

His pack lay on the floor next to a nearby tree, and Rory began to shuffle his body over towards it. As he pushed off of the tree, however, a shooting pain shot up his leg, causing his body to push back against the trunk so he didn’t shout out once more. His breathing sped up, but he didn’t give in. One hand gripping his leg, he attempted to move towards his pack once more, but it was no use. With only one arm, he couldn’t even get close to it.

He surrendered himself to the inevitability of the situation before leaning back against the tree once more, massaging his calf slowly.

”So, why are these trees so special to you?” Rory asked Vern, his voice neutral. He knew he wouldn’t be leaving here for a while, and it seemed that Vern didn’t have anywhere to go either.

aquatic mammalian wh0re
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Similar Yet Distant (Rory) Apr 22, 2012 19:21:44 GMT -5

Post by aquatic mammalian wh0re on Apr 22, 2012 19:21:44 GMT -5

I watched painfully as Rory struggled, reaching for his pack that lay only feet from him. But he couldn't do it. I knew his sense of pride kept him from asking for my help, or from shedding any tears. I wouldn't judge him for letting himself look weak, but I figured his mind worked that way. I couldn't blame him. I'm just some guy he's barely met, and here I am watching him suffer. Shouldn't I be doing more?

Disregarding his question, not quite willing to tell him my story, I asked, "Are you sure you don't want any help?" I grabbed his pack and placed it gently next to his legs. "I get it, really I do. You don't want to look weak, your pride is blocking that. I know, I'm the same way sometimes. I walk around, acting all tough and cool, but I'm not. It's an act. I get it."

Woah, those words just spilled out like a waterfall. I just opened up to this kid before I even had a chance to consider it. Why?

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Similar Yet Distant (Rory) Apr 23, 2012 11:06:06 GMT -5

Post by Telcontar on Apr 23, 2012 11:06:06 GMT -5

A sigh escaped Rory’s lips as Vern spoke to him, and he turned his head away as his pack was placed next to him. He ignored his pride for now, however, and opened up his pack. He withdrew a small water skin which he half-emptied into his mouth before pouring the rest over his leg. The cooling liquid soothed the pain, and Rory let out a sigh of relief.

As the pain began to fade from his body, Rory turned to Vern. ”You don’t get anything. You don’t know anything about me, or what I’m like. This,” Rory motioned to his leg, ”Is not an act. None of this is. This is the real me.”

Ignoring the pain that had begun to throb in his leg once more, Rory pushed himself onto his good leg. He pulled his axe from the nearby trunk before walking over to the felled tree and bringing his axe down, slicing off one of the branches. He bent down with a grimace before picking it up and holding it under his arm – a makeshift crutch. It wasn’t comfortable, but it would do for now.

”It was nice meeting you. Good luck with your acting,” Rory said, half polite and half snide. He let a breath out of his nose before walking off into the distance, his crutch creaking under the strain of his large body.

After he was out of sight of Vern, he collapsed onto the ground. His breathing was ragged once more, but his hand went straight into his pack. He pulled out a small bottle that his mother had given him, and uncorked it quickly. He poured the contents down his throat, and shuddered as he felt the medicine rushing through his veins. The Witch Hazel concoction had been brewed up by his mother a few weeks before – it was the only thing that kept his pain at bay. But he loathed for anybody to see him drinking it.

Medicine was rare enough in District Seven, never mind for something as trivial as pain. Any medicine that they did have was strictly for use as anaesthetic for major operations or for somebody to pass into death peacefully. And Rory didn’t want people to think that he was using the medicine where others needed it more. Witch Hazel was a fairly weak anaesthetizing agent, but it was enough to dull the pain in his scar.

As the medicine sunk into his muscles, Rory let out a sigh of relief. He rose to his feet without the use of his crutch and began to walk into the distance, a slight limp still visible upon his leg. It would take days to fully heal, but it would be alright.