For a few moments, Elara simply stood there. She could just faintly hear Luke's heartbeat as it helped to steady her own. At that moment she needed to focus on anything other then those damned words. They brought back far to many memories that she preferred to not relive. She could hear a soft sigh escape from Luke as she steadily began to calm down again. The small moment of sanctuary faded however at the sound and smell of the food that was being cooked. Slowly turning her head to look, she realized that no one was stirring it. If she didn't stir it soon, then it would likely burn, and she didn't want people going hungry because she couldn't get a grip. So, she slowly and reluctantly pulled herself away from Luke, muttering a small 'thank you' as she went and sat back down by the fire, and began to stir at the food with one of the wooden rods again. As she sat, she pulled her knees up to her chest and wrapped her arms around them as she watched the food, stirring it every now and again so it didn't burn. She felt a twinge of embarrassment at the little scene she had managed to make. Elara was not one for attention or spotlight, so she silently prayed that everyone else was to busy to have noticed.

Alastor watched the pair from afar as he silently cursed under his breath. He hadn't meant to drive her towards the young man he had meant to just rile her up a bit. Now he would likely have to be more careful with what he said. Something about it set her off and now it was driving her further away instead of pulling her in. He couldn't just stand there and let that bumbling idiot win her over without even trying. Although for now, he would keep his distance like she had told him to, but just for the morning. After that, he would attempt to speak with, or at least be near her again. Anything to try and keep the young man off and away from her. He would win her over eventually, he was patient, and he was willing to wait to finally get what he wanted in the end.

Alex nodded and started to walk out to do the scouting. she sighed after she turned her back, she didn't like being told what to do. she hoped that they could get done soon and that she wouldn't be required to talk much. she wasn't very good at socializing. she hoped that James would follow her without trying to get to "friendly"

James mumbled to himself, but didn't say anything loud enough for anyone to make out. His eyes were narrowed in annoyance that he had to be babysat to scout. He didn't look at Alex, nor did he say anything to her. In his eyes, anyone sent with him was just a pet to Amara to report back on him.

Alex rolled her eyes without responding to his mumbles. she was already tired of his attitude, even though she didnt know what it was about yet. James seemed to be very against being with her. she didnt know if it had something to do with her specifically, or if he just didnt like people. but either way, she could see the sense in sending people together. it seemed safer that way. she just hoped they wouldnt have any problems out there.

James looked through random buildings, though it was obvious he wasn't going through them well, mostly leaving behind useful knives and canned food. His hair was still matted from when he woke up, not bothering to bush it still. All he wanted to do was to hurry up and eat. His stomach rumbled, though he did his best to ignore it until he ended up tripping over uneven concrete. He cursed to himself as he fell to the ground. The male hit his fist to the ground before he stood back up, his jeans torn at the knee, a fresh cut bleeding.

Alex did her best to pick up the things James left behind. she was a bit annoyed that he didnt seem to be doing his job effectively. she went over to him when he fell and spoke quickly but softly. "sit" she instructed as she took a small bandage from her backpack and tried to get him to let her fix his leg. she hoped that he would listen and wouldnt be too macho and stupid to accept her help

Alastor watched as the two left and then turned to look around the camp. As he had expected, they just seemed like a group of misfits trying to make it out of this mess alive. Sure, perhaps a few knew what they were doing but they overall just seemed, quite frankly hopeless in his eyes. Plus, other then Elara, he didn't know the names of a single one of the other people. He considered asking but he wasn't sure who to start with, making at least one person not look at him with a glare would be a good start but he had a feeling it wasn't going to be easy. They all seemed weary of him, but he supposed they had every right to be, and if anything it was probably smart to be. To them, he was a stranger, but he intended on changing that, and hopefully soon. He needed any excuse he could get to keep the other young man away from Elara. Or else he may loose any chance that he could possibly have in winning her over.

James rolled his eyes. "Back off. I'm fine" he said, never liking tk be fussed over. "Crap like this happens." His eyed were filled with annoyance as he got up, mumbling to himself again before he continued on his way. He shook his head when they finished examining a building. "I don't see anymore creeps. I'm going back." He didn't bother waiting for Alex before he started heading back.

/

Amara finished making the arrows Killian had started before she looked over to Elara. She wasn't pleased this stranger pushed his way in and was keeping so close to her. "Alastor! Don't bother any of us unless we ask for your help. Push any of us the wrong way and your our. I won't tolerate it here." She stood tall as she planned to make it clear if James came back with an attitude again. She had had it with him, and was going to use him as an example for the group.

Alex sighed and did her best to keep up with him. she knew he was being a jerk, but she also knew it would be stupid for them to go around alone. the other thing she knew now was that she shouldnt try to help him...unless maybe he was unconcious.

(i need to read and see if i can find out where tristan and his group left off, then i will post for him too)