So.many.people! Alex just wanted to get out of the streets as soon as possible. It was like everyone was rushing around trying to get things done at the same time. Pushing, shoving, Alex didn't want to lose Ares so he quickly grabbed his hand. He got close to Ares ear in order so speak, because he didn't feel like shouting above the roar of people.
"Why is everyone running around so crazy?!"
Ares gave a little shiver as Alex spoke hot breathe into his ear. "Since there's a curfew in place now, everyone needs to get their selling and errand running done within a certain amount of time. It's always like this now."
Alex was so thankful that he didn't have to grow up in this, but he felt terrible that this was now the norm.
We definitely need to get things bad the way they were. No one should have to live like this.
Alex was holding tightly to Ares hand as Ares shoved past the crowds, down a few side streets, and up an alleyway on the far side of the new "marketplace" that they had just come from. There was a broken door for an unused apothecary shop at the end of the alleyway. Before Ares went to pull on the rusted latch, he quickly scanned behind them to make sure they weren't followed. As soon as he knew it was clear, they quickly scurried inside.
Alex was shocked by what he saw. Hand drawn maps of the city and surrounding forests hanging on the walls, a few people surrounding different makeshift tables throughout the room, and shelves lined with medicines and preserved foods. If someone was in trouble or needed to hideout for periods of time, this place would be a perfect spot, Alex thought while scanning the large room.
"I'm back everyone, and I have a new recruit with me. This is Alexander and he's excited to join our cause!" Ares addressed the crowd of about 15 people, and only after he introduced Alex did he realized he was still holding onto his hand. His face flushed and he quickly let go.
Alex was welcomed by the group and they began explaining to him their thoughts and plans about how to get the kingdom back to it's former peace and tranquility.
"Our biggest goal right now is to find Argos." Said one man who was around the same height as Alex, but definitely built more on the hefty side, "But if that doesn't pan out the way we hope, we need to at least figure out the best way to get Hector off the throne and into prison."
"So, what can I do?" Offered Alex. He was starting to get excited about this and couldn't wait to join the fray.
"Well, since we don't have many people, we've been breaking off into groups of two or three, and it's also less conspicuous. So, if you don't mind, you and I could team up tonight and do a little stakeout of Hector's private jailing facility." A few people had already offered to go with Ares, but why would he choose one of them when he could spend all night alone with Alex? It was too perfect to pass up. Nothing has to be weird, it's just a stakeout. We're still best friends, that hasn't changed. But maybe being alone together again will spark something in Alex.
"That definitely sounds like a plan! It doesn't matter whom I'm with, I just can't wait to get out there!" Alex said, without noticing Ares slight frown when he heard that last bit of that sentence.
"Okay then. We'll pack up a few things to get us through the night, and at midnight we'll start making our way over there." Even though Alex said what he said, Ares was still hopeful that after a night alone together, there would be a little bit more clarity on his own feelings. Unless Alex mentions something, I won't say anything. I don't want to screw up what we have right now. Even if nothing comes of our friendship, I can still be happy just having him in my life again.