Black Roses {Open}

[arlette]

Arlette crinkled her nose at the musty, rotting smell of the dark forest. It stuck in her nostrils, finding its way into her brain, filling her mouth, getting everywhere it could in its search for a way out. Arlette couldn't believe she was entering this dark place, but it was the only place she could think of where she could find her beautiful black roses.

Of course, Arlette didn't need the roses, but they complemented her so well that she just couldn't help but collect them. She loved their beauty, holding such darkness and death in their silken petals. They captured everything Arlette loved, and they brought out more of her own beauty. That was all that Arlette wanted, of course.

Arlette smiled and tossed her hair over her shoulder. A cold smile, no light or happiness in it at all. It showed all of her vanity, all her corruptedness and evilness. It showed her enjoyment of other's pain and discomfort.

Arlette stepped carefully across the dark forest floor, sneering down at the dirt and grime. It was disgusting, but she had to have her flowers.

[elizabeth]

Raine walked quietly through the forest. She breathed in deep even breaths, trying to stay calm. She shouldn't have entered the Black Forest. It was dangerous, especially to her. Raine was weak and fragile. There was no way she would be able too Protect herself from the creatures that wandered through this bleak forest.

Raine clutched a notepad that held some of Nataz prophecies. That was why she traveled through this forest. Trying desperately to spread the prophecies of Nataz. Raine tried so hard to please her. To make sure she was liked by the goddess. But see what it put her through? Danger. Fear. Trouble.
Raine continued to take deep breaths. She walked quietly, yet quickly. Trying to get out of the forest alive.

Raine was beginning to become paranoid. Every little sound frightened her. Who was there? Nobody. But yet, it felt as if there was somebody. Somebody waiting to hurt her. Who would want to hurt her? Raine was good and sweet. She did as she was told as long as it didn't go against her beliefs. She always was honest and responsible. Nobody had a reason to hurt her. But that was it. What if it was somebody who didn't need a reason?

Raine's breathing became harsher, shorter. Her mind raced. The forest seemed as if it was suffocating her. As if the trees would reach out and grab her, clinging to her. Or maybe she would be swallowed up by large leaves and vines. What was wrong with her? "Stay calm.." Her soft, child-like voice whispered. She couldn't stay calm though. She was going insane. Raine should have stayed home.

[arlette]

Arlette kicked a clump of dirt away from her, stepping carefully as she walked. The forest was disgusting. Why was it that this was the only place she could find to get her roses? It was horrible, dirty and disgusting. She hated coming here, but it had to be done every once in a while so she could have her beautiful flowers. They were everything to her beauty. She needed them. They complimented her looks so well.

Arlette sniffed in disgust. She couldn't wait to find her flowers and get out of her. This disgusting forest should not be graced with her presence, but it had to be done sometimes. She sighed, hoping she was nearing her beautiful roses. She was focused on watching her step, but she still heard that sound, faint, almost not there. A faint sound, a rasping, like someone was breathing. Breathing too quickly by the sound of it. Someone must be frightened. If they were scared, why were they in the forest in the first place? Didn't make any sense to her.

Arlette looked around for the person. She couldn't see anything through the dreaded trees. So she started to walk in that direction, looking all around for the person breathing. She walked for what seemed hours, but in reality was probably only a few minutes. The breathing steadily grew louder as each minute went by. Soon, Arlette was standing behind a stand of trees, looking at a pretty girl.

The girl had flaming red hair, brown eyes, and a look of desparation and fear in her eyes. She was a small girl, slight and petite. She was clutching a notebook to her chest, and she looked like she didn't know where she was going. It made Arlette wonder why she was here.

[elizabeth]

Raine's breathing was even shorter now, as if she was hyperventalating. Raine dropped to the forest floor as she tried to compose herself. "Calm down, calm down, calm down..." She whispered quietly to her self. She would be okay. She had to. Somebody would help her.... But who? She was in the Black Forest, of all places to be. Why? Why was she so stupid...

Raine's eyes scanned the forest. She felt as if somebody was there, watching her... She felt as if they were stalking her, waiting for the perfect moment to attack. She was vulnerable. Raine was on the ground, freaking out. What better time to attack her? She wouldn't be able to protect herself. Raine quicky stood back up, still clutching the notebook. She quickly walked over to a tree and held it for support. Now she was a litte ready.

Nataz. That name flittered across Raine's mind. What would Nataz think? She wouldn't favor a weak girl who has panic attacks. And what about her prophecies that Raine held? What if she lost them? Raine could always write them down again, but it's still the fact of losing them.

Now Raine was a wreck. Her mind pounded with paranoia and fear. Fear of what was to come. Fear of what was lurking in the forest...

[arlette]

Arlette watched the girl as she cowered in fear, struggling to compose herself. There was something special about that notebook she held, and Arlette was determined to figure out what. Along with why the girl was here in the first place. The Black Forest was no place for a lovely stroll, it was filled with horror and madness, fear and insanity. No sane person would come here for no reason. It was suicide.

As Arlette walked, the girl stood and leaned against a tree, coming some what closer to where Arlette stood. Now Arlette could easily see the fear in the girl's eyes. She looked like a pathetic little kid, lost in town away from its mother. So where was this girl's protector? Did she look up to one of the gods? Or was she all by herself?

Arlette could see the girl was filled with fear and parania. She would be easy to frighten, easy to find things out from. Maybe too easy. All Arlette needed was a little ingenuity and all the secrets the girl held were her's. Arlette watched the girl a little longer before she decided on her course of action.

Arlette quickly and silently walked farther away from the girl, keeping her in view, but staying away from anywhere the girl might be able to see her. Once she found the perfect place, Arlette stopped and looked towards her. Then, using her best scary, demon like voice, she spoke.

"My, my, what is sssuch a pretty little girl like yourself doing in sssuch a dark, creepy place as thisss? Thisss isss no place for a treasssure like yourssself. You ssshould leave while you can, before sssome one like I come along and sssnatch you up!"

Arlette smiled as she looked at the girl. A perfect voice. Such a horrible whisper, a slithering hiss. As she had been talking she had been walking steadily closer, so that her last sentence would sound like it came from just behind the girl's ear. Oh, how frightful Arlette could be when she wished.

[elizabeth]

Raine gathered what little bit of couarage she could. She realesed her grip from the tree and took a deep breath. She was about to continue walking until a faint, snake-like voice hissed to her. Raine gasped and shuddered at the sound of the voice. This is what she was afraid of. That someone evil would come along.

Raine quickly scurried to the other end of the little clearing, giving her space inbetween her and the unknown creature. She tightened her grip on the brown notebook she held. She would protect it if it was the last thing she did.

"Leave me alone!" Raine tried to say with authority, but it came out more as a plea. "I have nothing for you, so you have no use for me," Raine said into the dark forest.

She closed her eyes and sent a silent prayer to Nataz. Hopefully, her beloved Goddess heard her, helped her...

Raine pulled a small dagger out of her pocket. She was no good at fighting, so she never carried around any real weapons. But this dagger would work to protect her somewhat.

Raine wasn't going to let this thing win. She had to prove to her goddess, and herself, that she could do it. Raine had to prove she wans't just a weak little fairy. Nobody else was ever going to take advantage of her.