Simply walking around (also, being hungry) [OPEN]

Asher hid in the shadows of the Seam, looking at the Hob, which was only a few meters away. He reached under his midnight blue cloak, feeling for the two squirrels and fat rabbit. There they were, attached to his belt. He had left his bow and arrows in the woods, under the hollowed out birch stump. Now it was time to find Sprite, his friend. He edged along the houses, eventually reaching the front of the Hob. He ducked inside, pulling back his hood. He was safe here, so why not?

His chocolate-brown hair looked almost black in this light, and his chestnut eyes seemed friendlier than usual. Finding Sprite was not hard. The redhead was easy to spot in a crowd of people with brown and black hair. He grinned, making his way toward her. She was at Shancé's, the man who sold bitter root soup. "One rabbit for a bowl of soup." Sprite said firmly, holding out a young brown rabbit. Asher stepped up beside her. "Make that two rabbits for two soup bowls." He said, holding out his own black rabbit. Sprite turned and flashed him a smile. "Deal," Shancé said gruffly. He took the two rabbits and went to the back counter, pouring the soup.

"Hey," Sprite greeted, leaning back against the front counter. "Have you seen the new girl yet?" Asher shook his head. "Nope," "Look over there." Sprite said, gesturing toward a bench just outside the Hob. Asher turned his chestnut gaze to where his friend was pointing. He was shocked at what he saw next.

A girl, fairly short, who looked to be a pile of skin and bones. Her hair was extraordinarily long, reaching down to the bottom half of her legs. Her skin was deeply tanned, almost a deep brown. She had her eyes half closed, and almost looked like she was dead. Even with her dark skin, Asher could see her ghostly pale face. "Wow." Was all that came out of his mouth. "She looks half dead." He said, turning back to Sprite. The redhead nodded, her blue eyes filled with concern. 

"She started coming here a few days ago. At first she looked fine, but now...she looks sick." Asher listened to her, staying quiet for a moment. Shancé came back and tossed their soup bowls on the counter. "Two bitter root soups." He said, then went to serve another customer. Asher and Sprite took a seat at the counter and had a few bites of the soup. It warmed Asher's stomach, making him feel stronger by the second. "Well what can we do?" He asked, taking another sip of the bitter liquid. Sprite shrugged, her mouth full. 

"I don't know. You know neither of us can afford to give her food." Or can we? But it was true. Sprite had her three brothers, two sisters, grandmother, uncle, mother and father to feed. I only have myself. Asher stirred his soup in thought. "I think I can spare a meal." He said, taking the soup in his hands and hopping of the seat. It was still warm. Sprite grinned and followed him as he walked toward the girl. He stood over her, shadow falling onto her face. "You hungry?" He asked quietly, putting the soup in her lap.

Asher and Sprite watched the girl finish her soup, with trembling hands and tiny sips. Asher couldn't help feeling the emptiness in his stomach: something he wasn't used to. He clenched his fist, hoping his stomach wouldn't growl. Luck was on his side. Sprite had finished her own bitter root soup, and was now expectantly watching the girl. She lifted her head to look at them, a look of surprise on her face.

"No problem? But..." Her words were so jagged and weak, it was surprising she could even say that much. Asher could tell she wanted to say more. He could see the frustration in her eyes as she turned back to the bowl of soup, finishing it up. Sprite took the bowl when she was done, stacking it with her own and then running back to Shancé, who looked like he was about to have a fit. Asher grinned at Sprite as she handed the bowls to the man, probably giving some excuse as to why she hadn't gotten them back sooner. Good old Sprite. But right now, Asher had other people to worry about. The girls voice brought him back to the present. 

"Thanks again. M-my name is Char...Char Shaft." Asher winced as the words came out of her mouth. She sounded so sick. At least she could talk now. As she spoke, she lifted a very shaky, trembling hand to shake. He smiled and took it, immediately realizing it was cold as ice. How was this girl even alive? "Asher Haynes," He said with a smile. Char. So that was her name. He rolled it around in his head poking it and investigating. Nice name.