5.1 Accedence

The morning continues gradually passing by as you restlessly pace around one of the corners of the complex. Some time later, the other man returns and you can hear him arguing with James in a low voice. Straining to listen, you find yourself unable to make out any of their words. Sighing in frustration, you eventually take a seat on one of the overturned crates lying around. Knitting your brow anxiously, you fidget with the hem of your shirt while waiting. After a while the voices die down and there is movement behind you. Standing up quickly, you turn to see Boyd looking at you somewhat doubtfully.

"So, you're familiar with this land." His words appear to be more of a statement than a question.

Nodding apprehensively, your eyes briefly flit over to James before returning to Boyd's seemingly disinterested face. His increased skepticism isn't lost on you, promoting a hesitant display of knowledge.

"There's a lake to the west." You comment slowly, as you think over your well memorized map. "It should be a few miles out."

"Yes, we're aware." He replies somewhat impatiently, apparently unimpressed by this information. "Though it's grown closer since the landscape has shifted."

Frowning softly, you absently nod again while biting your lip. It seems it will take a bit more convincing on your part. In spite of your instinctual ****, you inhale deeply and quickly speak up when the man turns to leave.

"I can draw out a map of this area." You state hurriedly, unconsciously taking a step forward.

This seems to finally catch Boyd's attention as he stops in his tracks and turns back towards you.

"How much of the area?" He demands urgently, moving to stand uncomfortably close.

Suppressing the urge to step back, you glance up at the man cautiously. His pale blue eyes appear initially cold but upon further inspection you pick up on a hint of what might be a glimmer of hope. Knowing you're playing a dangerous game, you decide to keep your response moderately honest.

"If my memory allows," You begin slowly, carefully choosing your words. "I should be able to reproduce a depiction of the forest.

There's a brief pause as Boyd continues observing your expression analytically. After a moment you flinch lightly when he lets out a sudden scoff.

"It's unlikely you'd be able to do so with any meaningful accuracy." He states bluntly, as any traces of sociability quickly dissipate.

Pursing your lips, you remain silent when he impatiently turns and walks away. Looking back over at James, a sinking feeling begins forming inside you. If you're not going to have any luck winning Boyd over, you'll have to concentrate all of your efforts on his companion. Running a hand up along your arm, you cast your gaze back away timidly when his eyes meet yours. Without seeing it, you can sense the coy smirk that forms on his face at your seemingly bashful demeanor.

Once Boyd has exited the structure once more, you slowly stray over to stand beside James. Sighing somewhat dejectedly, you nervously run your fingers through your messy hair.

"He really doesn't care for me, does he?" You question rhetorically, keeping your head tilted toward the ground.

You focus on keeping your breath even when James boots come into view, stopping mere inches from your bare feet. The unexpected feeling of skin brushing against your cheek causes you to visibly startle when he gently pushes a strand of hair away from your face.

"You're going to make me jealous with all this talk." He comments half-playfully, continuing to run his fingers down the side of your face until they stop below your chin. "Do you really care what he thinks of you?"

Blushing slightly, you reluctantly allow your gaze to return to his own piercing one. Mulling over your response cautiously, you unconsciously bite your thumb nervously. His eyes continue boring into you questioningly as he waits for your reply.

"I suppose not." You finally answer softly, slowly lowering your hand from your face. "Though, I'm still uncertain of my status here."

Inhaling sharply, your body tenses lightly when you feel his hand move down the side of your neck. His eyes have grown somewhat serious, contrasted by his relaxed expression.

"I've secured your stay, for the time being." He explains to your hesitant relief, now running his fingers along your partially exposed collarbone. "So, it seems you now owe me a favor."

A slight shiver runs down your spine at the implication of his words. Forcing your expression to remain placid, you warily tilt your head in affirmation.