Waiting to Die

"Why would he come alone, though?"

Tirea:<Why wouldn't he just bring 50 of his cop buddies with him?>

L"He needs this to be quieted soon. If he had that many cops under his thumb, he would've used more. He can't have the regular police out en masse searching for a bunch of kids in the woods, even if he says they're spree-killers. That would take too many resources & be too suspicious. Besides, we'll be able to see if he doesn't follow the terms, then we won't stick around. We need to give him a chance to end this that he just can't refuse."

V"And what if you're wrong?"

L"Then he'll find us anyway & it's even more important to take him out fast."

Astarte mumbled something indistinguishable and appeared to doze off again, only to jerk her head up suddenly with wide eyes and gasp for air.

Tirea:<Well, I don't have a better plan...>

*She looks over at Astarte*

Tirea:<Astarte?>

*The duo look at Astarte, then look around in case she heard something.*

Astarte just seems borderline delirious and calms down quickly.

*Both Tirea and Eve listen intently, staring at the forest around them*

*Lilith picks up the can, partially covering it with the lid & pouring out the water, which sizzles away as it makes contact with the snow. She then pours a bunch of beans into her hand & passes it on to Vanessa.*

L"Best eat up & try to get some sleep. Tomorrow is going to be a long, dangerous day."

Astarte drifted in and out of lucidity and tried to make herself comfortable.

*Tirea and Eve accept the beans when they get to them*

Eve:<I'll take first watch.>

*Lilith uses her backpack to push some snow into a drift, then cuddles up behind that. She can be heard crying as she drifts off to sleep. Vanessa just stares into the darkness for a while before ultimately losing consciousness.*