"Do you have any idea what you're going to accomplish by going through with this?"

Marching onward, I keep a steady pace, not bothering to adjust for the much slower Oslen who's supposed to be my guide but currently doing a horrid job.

In response to his question, I give a confident shake of the head. "Nope, but I don't need plans or outlines or any of that crap."

"You don't need a plan?" He questions cynically.

"I'm sure it'd be helpful but I'm not dying for one."

He finally strides alongside me, giving me a doubtful expression.

"So, say you find the castle and retrieve the sword, then what?"

Waging my finger at him, I 'tsk' him.

"And that's your problem, always trying to get ahead of yourself. One step at a time."

"No, that's your problem. It's called being prepared."

Rolling my eyes, I groan, "You sound like my parents and teachers and coach and- actually, you sound like everybody in my freakin' life."

"Well, perhaps, maybe they're onto something."

"Well, duh, of course they are," I state with obviousness. "I just don't function that way."

The radiation of judgment beams from him.

"I haven't known you for too long, so pardon me saying this prematurely but you're too much of an odd ass."

That actually makes me laugh as hard as I did the first time we interacted with each other. I actually really like this guy- probably even more than his sister, though she's a racket too- if only for the comments and faces he makes.

"You're definitely on the nose about me," A few strangled chuckles slip out. "You're good at figuring people out in a short amount of time."

"I'll accept that as a compliment," He muttered, unsure of how to take me.

My mood is improved since leaving the house and traveling along the road for a while. Oslen always does something cute- that's never meant to be endearingly cute- causing a smile to form on my face.

Keeping true to his commitment, he takes me to the edge of his village leading onto the main road. We both pause, staring down the infinite stretch of dusty road that will lead me to my destiny.

Of course, I'm the first to wrap this up, startling him with a heavy-handed slap on his back.

"Welp," I take a refreshing breath. "It was something meeting you and getting to know your family."

Though casting me one more quick, frame-worthy face, he gives me an amiable nod.

"Likewise. It was a pleasure having you."

"Oh, don't lie, I was obnoxious at times."

"If that is what you wish to hear then sobeit, but I genuinely enjoyed your energy."

Aw, I've festered on him- like a boil.

Gripping the strap of my provisional bag, I keep my sights on the horizon- it's new, it's vast, and it's calling my name.

"See ya around." My usual parting words- whether they're true or not I always call it out to people I meet and get to know. I think deep down inside me there's this pitifully optimistic belief that I will see everyone I've met again (or it could that I secretly hate goodbyes).

"Good luck. May the Fates be with you."

"Thanks!" Whatever that means.

I feel like every adventure hungry hero stepping out for the first time on their own- I have no one but myself to rely on. No matter. My sole purpose, my only motivation forward is Brent.

Honestly, I never knew how much of a big sister I actually am. Of course, I loved messing with the kid, teasing and exchanging witty comebacks with each other, but there's apparently more to my care for him.

Huh, so this is what it's like to have half a soul. I wonder how it is with the full thing.

Okay, so, I was told this road would take me directly to the castle, but what I wasn't told was that it is the most monotonous, eye-draining, flat scenery you would ever want to surround yourself with. I mean, my God!

"Well, that tree looks slightly fuller than the other tree. And, oh, that one's base is all weird and alien looking-"

There is nothing for miles!

White torture would be more stimulating than this dry, nature walk. The trees are the same, the road is the same, the sky is the same, everything is basic and unoriginal.

"And that tree looks like Ms. Goodman's wig and that one looks like a nuclear missile and that one like a pe-"

Nothing can possibly make this journey interesting- and to think I have miles to go before I reach this abandoned castle (which I'm doubly not looking forward to)- at least I thought so until I'm yanked up in the air, dangling by a leg, with a rope around my ankle.

I would be frustrated but, hey, at least I have a new upside-down perspective on the landscape.

No knife, no nothing to get me down from here.

Fantastic.

So while the blood rushes to my head, I squirm around trying to reach for a stick just out of reach. The rope has enough slack to allow me to swing like a pendulum but keeps me just out of reach of the stick.

"Come on," I breathe, sucking in sharply as my fingers graze it. "Dammit."

Putting my full weight into it, I get closer. Although I manage to grab at it, my grip is too loose, causing it to slip from my fingers.

My head is throbbing and feels like it's been stuffed with cotton balls, but I need to ignore all that and get that stick. I was so close the last time, I feel like I might actually be able to snatch it this time around. Going for it, I try again, but before I can grab for it it's yanked away.

"What the-"

I hadn't noticed anyone come by but now as I focus, I can see a pair of feet standing by my side. My eyes travel up from the feet to the rest of him.

"Who are you?" He asks.

"Um, funny question seeing how you're the one trapping me." I counter. "Maybe if you let me down we can have a civilized conversation."

The man approaches me, with a noticeable limp, but doesn't free me. He appears to be wearing a uniform of some kind- maybe an officer or guard.

"You're not supposed to be traveling this road, miss. It's been closed for years now."

It's hard taking someone seriously when you're hanging upside down, holding down your shirt to keep from exposing your bra but I'm trying.

"Well, I need to, it's an emergency."

"Emergency?" He questions critically.

"Yes. Plus, this is the only road that I know that'll take me where I need to go."

"And where do you need to go?"

Sighing, I reply, "The castle this road leads to."

"You can't pass here, that castle has been abandoned for years and I'm meant to prevent anyone from traveling this road."

From this position, I can't get a full length look at him, but judging from his responses, I can tell he's not the brightest bulb in the pack nor does he look like the oldest, wisdom gifted individual around so maybe, just maybe, I can work the situation in my favor.

For starters, I need to be cut free.

"Okay, good to know but can you get me down from here?"

"You must promise to return the way you came if I do."

And if I don't? What? You're just going to leave me dangling?

"Okay, okay, yeah, I promise." My head is starting to pound from hanging here so long.

He does nothing to assist my throbbing head, though, by cutting me free without warning, causing me to land head first on the ground- thankfully I wasn't too far off the ground.

"Thanks," I grumble, dusting myself off.

"You must uphold your promise and turn back now."

Standing up, I get a better look at him. He's actually much shorter than I perceived him to be and not as old as I originally thought- everything else stands.

"Look," I begin, trying to play on his nice side. "I don't mean to cause any trouble, but I really need to pass by. My brother is in trouble and I-"

"You established a promise with me that you would turn around if-"

"Promises can be broken," I break it to him frankly. "My brother needs my help and the only way I can help him is by getting something from that castle."

Judging from the suspicion in his eyes, I can tell he's not buying it at all and has grown annoyed by my lie.

"I don't want to lay a hand against you, miss, but you're limiting my options. Now I must firmly state that you-"

"Do you have siblings?"

Yeah, I'm playing this card, I know.

He blinks, not expecting that question.

"Y-yes, I do, but that is not relevant to our sit-"

"You would do anything to protect them, right?"

He sighs, "You are trying to create an-"

"You seem like the kind of guy who would. So, from one protective sibling to the another, you have to let me through. This crazy guy has my brother and I need to act quick. You can be the difference between life and death."

Just make me the spokesperson for PETA, I'm a natural at this guilt-tripping thing.

My words give him pause and I can see he's on the fence so I try to push him over completely.

Turning on the coy, damsel-in-distress mode, I paste on that pouty face and try to milk that Oscar.

"I can't possibly do this without help. I'm just so worried about him. I need to pass, please, you have to understand. I hate to beg but- but this is my only brother- the baby of our family and I couldn't live with myself if something happened to him."

Keeping up the ruse, I face away from him, upping the ante with some fake sniffles thrown in.

Taking the bait in three, two-

"I am sorry for your hardship, I truly am, miss," He gently comforts me.

Guys need to stop being so predictable- they really do- it's not even fun when it's this easy. I hope Brent doesn't turn out like this- I gotta train him before it's too late.

"It is not my desire to be an obstacle in your path-"

"But you are an obstacle in my path!" I cry, moving away from him, covering my face now.

"It is my duty. What would you have me to do?"

Mournfully, I shake my head, not responding, causing him to let out a helpless sigh.

"Please, miss, you must understand, I am in no authority to let you pass."

"I promise not to tell."

"You broke the first promise you made to me."

"Because I needed to pass. This one I swear on my life I will keep even till death."

Come on, I don't wanna have to bring out the crocodile tears now.

He gives a hesitant pause before tentatively asking, "Do you solemnly promise?"

Bingo and we are in.

Dropping my hands but not yet turning around, I let out a shaky breath and nod.

"Look me in the eyes and say you will not tell my superiors about this."

Letting out another breath, I turn around to look him in his eyes and reply with absolute honesty-

"I swear it."

Glancing side-to-side in paranoia, he nods.

"Good."

It's time to milk it for all its worth. Coming up to him, I offer him a pleasant, shy smile.

"You're a good soldier. I will always remember this."

At this, he wears a lopsided, goofy grin.

"Thank you."

I start off towards my destination again until he hastily speaks up.

"I will escort you there," He tries to act professional now after he was just cheesing. "It is my job to keep everyone safe on this road. I, also, wouldn't want you to be stopped by anyone else- good or bad intentions- along the way."

Looking back over my shoulder, I pull him in with another kittenish smile.

"If you insist."

He hurries to my side, keeping my pace as we walk. Now that this show is back on the road, I need to formulate a plan to ditch him.

For a while, I'm blessed enough not to have to make any further social interactions with him, but soon he breaks that golden silence.

"I mean not to be rude, but you are dressed quite peculiar for a woman- or rather, anyone from this area."

"Do you like it?" I toy with the ends of my hair like a bimbo. "I created it myself, though it may be a bit ahead of its time."

"No, no, no, I am very fond of it," He gives that lopsided grin again. "You have a gifted imagination."

"Thanks."

God, I feel like an airhead acting like this.

Clearing his throat, he keeps close to me. "I never got your name, miss."

The only reasons I can feasibly come to for why he's flirting with my ugly self is either the beauty standards are low here and/or his standards are low- it has to, at least, be one of those reasons.

"Tina," I answer. "What's yours?"

"I've never heard such a name. You are very foreign sounding," He grins. "You may call me Colart. How old are you?"

"Twenty. What about you?"

"Ah, really?" He's getting his hopes up. "I am a month shy of being twenty-four years of age."

Well, damn, where's Chris Hanson when you need him?

I have to stay in character though so I continue my ditzy parade.

"That's a mature age."

"Thank you, I would like to think so."

His problem isn't that he's ugly- because he's not- it's just that he's plain and overall doesn't strike me as the wisest poet in the circle, not to claim that I'm Sabrina Carpenter levels of beauty with Stephen Hawking genius, but I at least am self-aware of my limitations. He could be anyone's ideal type, just probably not in hot demand.

Here's how it goes for the rest of the time: He keeps trying to get closer to me, I act like a bimbo, he finds it oddly attractive (I question any guy who finds dippy attractive), I try to keep a subtle distance between us, he ignores the distance, rinse, wash, repeat. I'm so mentally worn from playing this act that I nearly break character upon our arrival at the neglected castle.

I was really hoping it wouldn't look like an abandoned insane asylum but alas, it looks worse than that. This building is like a haven for vandals which I'm sure is why they post the guards at the road marks.

Staring up at it, though, I can't stand here and let my irrational fears that a crazed mutant might be lurking in the shadows scare me away from retrieving the sword that would help me save Brent. No, I'm going to suck it up and take it like a real woman should.

But just as I'm taking a step toward the menacing structure, Colart grabs me by the forearm, holding me back.

"What are you doing?"

"I need to find something inside," I answer blankly.

Concerned, he shakes his head. "It's not safe, Tina. What if there are looters within? What if it is not as structurally sound as it appears?"

Eh.

I have to remember to stay in character, though.

"You're right," I appease him, giving an agreeing nod. "That was about to be a stupid decision."

He smiles, becoming drawn in again. "I would hate to see you harmed on my watch."

"You're too sweet. But...I need that sword to save my brother. What will I do? It's too dangerous in there for anyone."

Come on, you know you want to-

"Perhaps too dangerous for most, but for you I will risk it all."

I'm too good at this, it ought to be a crime I tell ya.

"Are you sure? I wouldn't want you hurting yourself because of me."

He waves a dismissive hand. "I will be fine, I promise. Now, what does this sword look like?"

"I-I'm not sure." Honestly, I hadn't thought to ask. "I'm sorry, I'm putting you through-"

"It's fine. I will find this sword and bring it back to you. You must wait here for me, though."

Pretending to be thrilled, I brighten. "Thank you so much. How can I ever repay you?"

Puffing his chest, he grins. "There's no need for that. It is out of the charity of my heart."

"You're too good to me." God, it's like an internal part of me is melting at such Snow Whiteness.

Patting his sword in its holder, he boldly approaches the doors of the castle which are covered in thick vines. Pausing, he glances back at me and calls out-

"Hide for me in the bushes, I will be quick."

Nodding, I act as though I'm going to hide in the foliage nearby, watching as he fights to open the door to slip in.

If I trusted his intelligence enough to allow him to go find the sword on his own, I would most certainly sit my ass down and wait, but this is my task and I needed to both a) do this for myself and b) see if there's actually a sword where Elle claimed there was. If what she's telling me about this sword is true then the other claims she's telling must have some merit to them as well- which makes my head spin at the possibility.

So, after letting several minutes pass, I emerge from my hiding spot and hurry to the still ajar door and slip in.

Things to find: a sword. Things to avoid: Colart and mutants. Sounds about right.