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Raftel
Feb 11, 2012 19:35:58 GMT -5
Post by Rygand on Feb 11, 2012 19:35:58 GMT -5
It truly was a beautiful summer that year. Warm, but not too hot. Winds only ever rose to a mild, pleasant breeze. It rarely rained, and when it did, it was more an enjoyable change of pace. A perfect summer to some. One might have figured, that there would not be a better time for an activity such as summer camp. And as such, hundreds of kids flocked to these lakeside extra-curricular paradises.
One such paradise was the Calm Shores Summer Resort, a well-known and quite popular summer camp in the New York area. It was next to a beautiful, crystal clear lake, surrounded by unspoiled woods, cliffs with magnificent views... Everything one might want from such a resort. The cabins and camp grounds in general were newly built, from beautiful timber and painted in places with only the most fitting and natural of colors. Small rowing boats were docked in rows on the wooden piers, which the children also used to go swimming in the lake.
On this summer of 2012, at least two hundred kids must have been at Calm Shores, all at once. The total would end up being somewhere in the thousands, so popular it was. Some were there to enjoy themselves, some were there to work – though, who would not enjoy working in such a place?
It was a Saturday, and the evening had just arrived. A long line of buses dropped off the new flocks of kids of all ages to the camp, which was currently empty, except for the camp staff. One such child, was Thatch Noble. He was a short and frail boy, ten years of age. His hair was a dark brown colour, shaggily cut. A large pair of glasses rested on his nose, and he seemed quite attached to them, fiddling with them absently as he stared at the campsite. He was wearing a large, red and blue checkered collar shirt, far too big for him, under which was a dark brown t-shirt depicting a cool, red motorcycle on it. He also wore a pair of loose-fitting black jeans, and some worn out black and white skate shoes, the laces of which were rather clumsily tied.
He had won a contest, the prize of which was an all expenses paid month at this summer paradise. Strangely, he did not even remember having entered such a contest, but nevertheless, a letter had arrived with his name on it, so here he was, despite his confusion. Thatch lived with his parents – well, his foster parents, and while they were nice, and the new school he was now attending was okay, it was in the city. Thatch was more used to places like this – woods, lakes, rivers. He wanted to feel that familiarity, and his foster parents had convinced him this would be great fun. It’d be a shame to waste winning that prize, wouldn’t it?
After a short while, the buses stopped coming in. Some camp staff members had gathered in front of the veritable army of children, and using a loudspeaker, asked for a brief silence, and attention. An introduction of the main staff followed, with an explanation of the camp grounds, as well as a wish that all at the Calm Shores Summer Resort would have an unforgettably great time. Thatch wasn’t very convinced – in his opinion the staff’s cheery attitude seemed a bit tailored. But his eyes had set on the crystal clear lake in the distance, and he was sold. He loved swimming.
The staff explained that this first day would be spent freely, exploring the camp grounds and getting to know one another, making friends. Everything in the area was free for use, the lake for swimming, the archery range for those wishing to test their skills, the campfire site for the roasting of some sausages, the woods inviting explorers, and the camp counselors eager to help everyone find something to do, whether it be kayaking, footraces or fishing.
Everyone was also shown to their respective cabins. The kids were assigned in age groups, everyone with people of their own age. This was the very same for the teens working as staff, whom also had cabins of their own. One cabin held up to eight people, but some had as few as four. The beds looked comfy and inviting, but that was for the night. There was plenty to do before such, it was only early evening when the introduction was done with. Everybody was left to their own devices, free to do as they pleased, at the counselors guidance. It was tomorrow that the scheduled activities would begin, races, hikes, boat-rides…
Thatch sat at one of the piers that wasn’t being used for impressive shows of cannonball jumps and flips into the sparkling water below. He was smiling to himself, humming a gentle tune he remembered her mother having sung to him. His feet were hanging off the wooden boards, splashing gently in the lake. The water looked beautiful, as the slowly setting sun shone upon its surface. The young boy felt like he could have sat there for hours, just staring at it. The rest of the camp absolutely buzzed with activity – the happy squeals of the kids, young and old, as well as the laughter of hundreds. But even in the midst of this, Thatch felt serene.
This was truly going to be an unforgettable summer.
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Raftel
Feb 11, 2012 19:45:23 GMT -5
Post by (´・ω・`) on Feb 11, 2012 19:45:23 GMT -5
Tim stretched out, trying to get some feeling back in his limbs. Having to sit through that entire introduction was extremely boring, but he had managed to find some fun with it, taking an imaginary swig every time the counselor mentioned how "great" everything was. If he had been actually drinking, he probably would have died. Or at least passed out. He looked outside and noticed that there was still some daylight left and he glanced longingly at the basketball court. He picked up the worn, derelict ball and spun it in his hands. He turned to the other members in his cabin, a grin on his face. "Anyone up for a quick game?" He playfully asked, bouncing it once for emphasis.
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Raftel
Feb 11, 2012 19:50:00 GMT -5
Post by thatfallout3guy on Feb 11, 2012 19:50:00 GMT -5
Alexander sat his bow down on the bed, having spent most of his day practicing at the shooting range. He smirked as he heard Tim's words. Had it been a normal situation he would have just brushed off whoever was asking it, as such things were below him. But this was different. He was in a new place, surrounded by people that weren't fawning over his every movement. He would need to play it smart, treating his peers with at least a minimal amount of respect. He glanced to Tim with a smile, "I haven't played before, but I'm up for it, sure," he said, trying to sound as warm and friendly as possible.
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Raftel
Feb 11, 2012 20:01:19 GMT -5
Post by (´・ω・`) on Feb 11, 2012 20:01:19 GMT -5
Tim looked at the dude. Obviously, being this friendly wasn't normal for him, because he was standing pretty awkwardly, and the smile looked slightly forced. 'Eh, maybe he's just nervous,' Tim thought, shrugging inwardly. "Alright," he said aloud. "Anyone else joining?" He looked around, tossing the ball between his hands.
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Raftel
Feb 11, 2012 20:10:52 GMT -5
Post by Luke on Feb 11, 2012 20:10:52 GMT -5
Giving a small sigh of relief as the campers all around him cheered along with seemingly every word the counselor said, Clement remained silent and simply waited until they were allowed to go as free as he was implying. "Come on..." Suddenly the storm of children ran off into the camp like a stampeding Roman army storming the gates of some poor unsuspecting Greek Village. Yet he was thankful, this meant he could perhaps disappear with this crowd hiding his path.
On his way to his cabin, Clement didn't have to spend long there, setting up his own cot, before he knew he wouldn't be coming here very long. Stuffing his hands into his pockets, Clement quickly disappeared from the cabin, leaving a few of the clothes he had brought there, with little intent to go back to get them, he was suddenly broken from his silence by a nearby counselor. "Hey there happy camper! Did you make sure to meet your cabinmates?" "Um...yeah." Clement's voice was quick, and sharp, as if to try and end the chat quickly. He had places he wanted to be. "Well...that's good then! Make sure to make some new friends here, and enjoy the camp for all it's worth!" The counselor appeared...almost too cheery for Clement's tastes, almost as if he was stuffed with rainbows and lollipops. Clement wasn't a negative person, but people like this...almost scared him. "Right...I shall, can I go?" Clement let out a short response, straightening his glasses to the edge of his nose, a tick that he had perfected after years of practice. The man before him seemed to have been drained of the happy from earlier, at least for a split second, before that uncomfortably large smile returned, and he sent him on his way.
Finally making his way to his desired spot, Clement sat down on the edge of the lake, far enough so the wild children leaping into the lake wouldn't splash him with unwanted water, but close enough so he could enjoy the reflection the lake set off. Removing his hands from his jacket, Clement reached into his coat and revealed a rather small, but thick book and brought it near his face for a moment, as if thankful for it's presence. Briefly recalling his father's words, Clement clinched the book tighter. Thankfully he had managed to smuggle this trinket with him, nothing in comparison to his collection, but all the same, thankful. With the title covered by his finger tips, Clement brought the thing to his face and began to read, slightly regretting his choice as the sun flashed his eyes suddenly, momentarily blinding him. "Stupid sun..." He mumbled under his breath, Clement crossed his legs and let himself delve into the book.
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Aren
Feels Up Moogles
Let's play a game. I'll release the deadly neurotoxin, you see how long you can hold your breath. B)
Posts: 218
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Raftel
Feb 11, 2012 20:27:55 GMT -5
Post by Aren on Feb 11, 2012 20:27:55 GMT -5
As Kenna was ushered to her cabin, lugging her suitcase (almost as large as her, mind you) behind her, she took the bottom bunk in the farthest corner from the door. Setting up her bed quietly, she slipped her suitcase under her bed, and ducked out before anyone could talk to her. Her father had told her to behave and have fun before she left, and she promised him that that would be exactly what she would be doing. She planned to do that after she oriented herself. She wanted to see where the art room, or instruments were. The main lodge seemed to be a good first guess. Bounding up the steps, she smiled a little to herself at the thought of, maybe, making some friends here. Would someone come to like her? Maybe... She looked in every door, finding a giant meeting room, a huge mess hall, a recreational room, and finally, the music room. There were other rooms, but once she got to this one, all others were disregarded. Beaming, she skipped in, past the guitars, drum sets, and other miscellaneous instruments, her eyes set on the big black piano in the corner. It looked sleek and extremely new, untouched and shining with a fresh coat of wax. Slipping into the seat, she pushed back the key-cover, running her small hand over the black and white keys. She tested the "C" key, and smiled even wider as the note cut the air. Thank goodness no one else was in the room, or else it'd be somewhat tough to hear. Looking out the full-wall window to her right, her eyes flicked between the kids outside. Should she go out? Or wait in here and play a couple songs...? "Behave, Kenna. And have fun. Don't forget, the most fun you can have is with a friend. All right, pumpkin?" Hopping off the seat, Kenna took a deep breath, and walked out the door, down the steps, and into the field outside. Most of the kids seemed to be heading toward the lake. Kenna nodded, and mustered her courage to walk down there. Time to make friends. As unskilled as she is at that. Suddenly, she stopped dead in her tracks, hands fisted at her sides, eyes wide as she looked between the children. Maybe... Maybe they would come to her? She was terrible at conversation anyway. She was so nervous, her face hot with embarrassment. Why couldn't she bring herself to talk with someone, anyone? Sighing roughly, she sat on the soft grass, gripping the cool blades in her palms. Yes, someone will have to come to her. She couldn't bring herself to start a conversation, attempt to make someone be her friend; she didn't know how. She stared at the ground, slightly bereft.
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ThatOneGuysBro
Murdered One Of The K-ON Cast
Problem officer?
Posts: 407
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Raftel
Feb 11, 2012 21:09:18 GMT -5
Post by ThatOneGuysBro on Feb 11, 2012 21:09:18 GMT -5
When the bus came to a screeching halt and the children slowly left for the camp grounds Jacob was the first to stand up in anticipation. He sprinted down the isle from the back of the bus before stopping at the stairs. With a smirk he let out a lunging "Yeehaa!" before leaping over the steep steps. As his feet planted firmly on the lush greenery he could hear from inside the bus a scolding tone echoing loudly. He brushed it off paying no heed before putting his hands to his hips, closing his eyes and leaning back as his head pointed skyward inhaling deeply through his nose. Straightening his stature a burst of hot hair rushed from his slightly bloated cheeks as he exhaled with satisfaction.
After being instructed not to act so rash a second time, face-to-face with a counselor, Jacob trailed to the side of the bus to fetch his luggage as the counselor began to open the side door that held the bulk of the children's belongings. Brushing aside most hastily every bit of luggage that he could not identify he grabbed for a sizable black dufflebag before leaving satisfied, disregarding the few bags and suitcases that had consequently fallen out of the side compartment. When everyone converged the counselors began to pontificate the camp's schedules and regulations as Jacob fidgeted restlessly, catching the occasional drifting gaze of other children and counselors.
Finally done talking Jacob's ear off for what felt like an eternity he went with the boys that shared his age and was escorted to his cabin. The first to rush in he observed momentarily his temporary abode before tossing his dufflebag onto the nearest bed before rushing off in a burst of energy, sprinting straight for the piers. The piers were a fair distance from the cabins, enough so to warrant Jacob to stop in his tracks for a few fleeting seconds as his breath returned to him. With a final, deepening gasp for air he threw his arms into the air as if in proclamation to the lake before screaming an enthusiastic "Woohoo, summer!" There stood Jacob, his short brunet hair ruffled by the caressing breeze with a single bead of sweat rolling down the side of his cheek. Peaking just barely over five feet he wore red converse with a matching short sleeve t-shirt with black and white plaid shorts.
He turned 'round to see everyone scattering to and fro, some at a slow and nonchalant pace while others dashing just behind him. Within his view was a basketball court, a short, linked fence surrounding the painted cement with two towering baskets that rested on the headboards. Being the first physical sport he spotted, and having some experience in the game, he took flight again. His encumbered running slowed into a jog before he found himself pacing over to the court. Just barely in earshot of the tall, well built boy obviously older than Jacob himself, most likely a counselor he thought, he picked up on the offer of a game. Yelling with less gusto then usual, now slightly winded, Jacob greeted him with a gamey smile. "Hey", he said with an almost smug tone. "Name's Jacob. You play ball?", he asked as he motioned himself shooting a ball into the basket.
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Raftel
Feb 12, 2012 3:55:56 GMT -5
Post by Rygand on Feb 12, 2012 3:55:56 GMT -5
The other two counselors in Tim and Alex's room were the same age as them, and seemed quite excited about the idea of a game of basketball. They had all been bored out of their minds during the introduction -- after all, it was the second time they had to go through it, having gotten the same treatment when they arrived at the camp, a day earlier. The other of the two boys slid down from the top bunk of one of the beds, grinning.
"I'll go see if the guys at Cabin D are up for it, too. I have two people I know in there, so." He set off to do as he said, the cabins all in close proximity. He wouldn't be long. Alex, Tim and the remaining other counselor headed to the basketball court. It was just as high quality as the rest of the campsite. Everything was brand new and inviting.
Jacob and the counselor he had been talking too, the same age as Tim and Alex, looked at the newcomers. Not long afterwards, the boys from Cabin D showed up. There were ten of them, altogether. The counselor that had set off for Cabin D spoke up.
"This is great! Five against five, no?"
Thatch lifted his glasses to his forehead and rubbed at his eyes, the light slowly getting a bit too much for his eyes. He got up into standing, his feet sliding onto the pier from the warm waters of the lake, soaking it in drops of water. The breeze felt nice on his wet legs. He set his glasses on his nose again, and turned on his heels. Walking on the pier, his hands in his pockets, he eventually spotted a boy reading a large book, just off the shore. Thatch was fond of books himself, having learned to read at a very young age. He hadn't had much time for them as of late, but they were still close to his heart. Taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly, Thatch nodded to himself. Camp would be boring without friends, wouldn't it?
Approaching the boy carefully, Thatch looked over Clement's shoulder, peering at the book.
"Uhh... Hey there. Whatcha... readin'?"
A female counselor noticed the little girl standing in the middle of the children, staring at her feet. Shaking her head, she smiled understandingly. The counselor was named Maria, and she had long, flowing red hair. She seemed to be about 16 years old or so.
Maria walked over to the little girl, and crouched down next to her. She placed a hand on her shoulder, smiling in a sincere, friendly way.
"Shy, aren't you? I know how that is. Must be a bit scary, with this many kids around." She chuckled gently. "You should just approach someone who isn't playing already, strike up a conversation! It's easy once you take the first step."
Getting up and looking around with a puzzled look, looking through a mimed telescope. Her sights set on the two boys looking over a book at the shore. With a smile on her face, she leant down to Kenna's level, an encouraging grin on her face. "How about those two boys? They look nice." She pointed towards Clement and Thatch.
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Raftel
Feb 12, 2012 12:45:02 GMT -5
Post by (´・ω・`) on Feb 12, 2012 12:45:02 GMT -5
"Awesome, let's get this game started," Tim said, tossing the ball towards the other counselor. "And make sure you can keep up." He winked at Jacob, a sly grin on his face.
As the teams assembled into their starting positions (Tim and Jacob on one team, Alex on the other), Tim let out a contented sigh. The breeze was at just the right temperature, the sun was just barely letting off the right amount of warmth, and he was about to play one of his favorite games. 'I could get used to this camp,' he thought. 'That is, until they make me watch over the kids.' Tim shook his head, trying to clear his mind. He had to get his head in the game. He ducked down, ready to bolt towards the ball at a moment's notice.
Time slowed as the ball left the counselor's hand and shot upwards. The two opposing teams seemed to clash, grabbing and clawing for the ball, but Tim's team managed to get a hand on it, slapping it forward. Tim saw it coming and was already halfway down the court, just barely managing to get his hands on the ball. With a little stumble, he got into the rhythm of his dribble and continued down the court, dodging a player here and there. One counselor got extremely close to knocking the ball out of his hands, but a quick spin left the would-be attacker flailing. Tim sped through the remaining distance and jumped, aiming as he went. With a bit of practiced effort, the ball flew from his hands, just barely hitting the rim and going in. He pumped his fist slightly, a whisper of "yes" on his lips as the game continued.
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Aren
Feels Up Moogles
Let's play a game. I'll release the deadly neurotoxin, you see how long you can hold your breath. B)
Posts: 218
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Raftel
Feb 12, 2012 13:16:53 GMT -5
Post by Aren on Feb 12, 2012 13:16:53 GMT -5
Kenna nearly flinched when the girl suddenly came over to talk to her. Ah, so her plan worked! She grinned up at the girl, and found herself giggling at her silly antics. With a worried expression, she glanced over to where the older girl was pointing, then to the blade of grass between her fingers. "But daddy said I shouldn't talk to boys until I'm 30." She said playfully, smiling up at the girl. Her own joke amused her. Then she pouted. "Besides, boys have cooties." This woman's American accent was funny. No wonder her father came home some days and mimicked it to make both of them laugh. The blade of grass between her fingertips slowly twisted into a knot. Kenna's bright green eyes were fixed on the woman in front of her. She might actually like the people here, if most of them acted like this. Kenna found herself giggling at the thought. "Did you know that cooties can turn your hair green, and put spots on your tongue, and make your face go like this," she pulled the silliest face she could manage, eyes crossed, cheeks puffed, tongue stuck out, making the next word somewhat distorted, "forever?" Her face went back to that childish smile. "I don't want that. That'd be yucky."
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Raftel
Feb 12, 2012 14:42:39 GMT -5
Post by thatfallout3guy on Feb 12, 2012 14:42:39 GMT -5
Alex, for the most part, had stayed out of the large pile of boys fighting over the large rubber ball. He opted to stand closer to the sidelines to see just how the game was played. They had given him the basics along the way, but he wasn't about to dive headfirst into the fray with only a small amount of knowledge.
Standing in near the middle of the court now, Alex watched as his team mate stood on the outside, ready to throw the ball in bounds. The ball was shot to the closest member of their team, who dribbled it for several feet until he was cut off by a defender on the opposite side. Glancing around, the team mate spotted Alex, and with a quick shove sent the ball flying for him.
Alex managed to catch the ball, if just barely. He looked around, seeing the other team closing in, 'So I have to dribble it...' he thought to himself as he began to do so. Getting the timing just right, he then attempted to walk with it... only to have a defender immediately come and smack it out of his hands. Alex looked to the boy, a bit shocked that he came so suddenly, 'I'll need to be faster,' he thought as he chased after the boy.
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draconicdm
Sexy Member
Subterranen lava dragon.
Posts: 57
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Raftel
Feb 12, 2012 17:50:36 GMT -5
Post by draconicdm on Feb 12, 2012 17:50:36 GMT -5
Tori rolled her bright green yo-yo betwixt her scarred fingers and smirked, "alright, looks like it all starts here," she said aloud to herself. Lugging her tattered and rather empty backpack, Tori wandered around looking for some excitement. It wasn't long before she saw what looked like the makings of a basketball game, "Hey, I remember Jake playing that," she thought of her brother. She trotted over to watch the game, having never played herself. She leaned against the nearest static object and began playing with her yo-yo, wearing a great smile as she did.
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ThatOneGuysBro
Murdered One Of The K-ON Cast
Problem officer?
Posts: 407
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Raftel
Feb 12, 2012 21:21:34 GMT -5
Post by ThatOneGuysBro on Feb 12, 2012 21:21:34 GMT -5
As the orange spherical prize was swiped from Alexander's hands swiftly Jacob began to shout with little restraint caught up in the heat of the game as the players began to get a feel for the deftness of their teammates and of the opposing team. After his incessant droning began to drown out the other voices in the court the ball was passed to Jacob who was already near the basket.
As the ball darted towards him he shifted his weight, outstretching his arms as they braced for impact. The rubber surface slapped against his skin now firmly within the grasp of his palms. In the split seconds the ball rested between his fingers he could feel each separate pebbling that dotted it. Turning 'round his eye caught a figure a few inches taller than himself and an arm flung out like a wing prone to bar his advance. Instinctively he feinted swiveling from left to right, the ball adroitly handled as Jacob dribbled it almost rhythmically. Outmaneuvering the boy his feet shifted as he stood on the edges of his toes.
Leaping he nearly thrust the ball as it collided with the headboard, a ringing clamor sounding as it ricocheted. Jacob was taken back slightly at the prospect of him missing his shot as the ball gravitated to the center of the court.
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Raftel
Feb 13, 2012 17:57:19 GMT -5
Post by Luke on Feb 13, 2012 17:57:19 GMT -5
With a sudden jerk of his head, Clement's eyes darted from the book to this new figure, eyes scanning the new found person like those of a computer of some sort. After assuring himself that Thatch neither meant any harm, nor was some counselor coming to ruin his book reading, he relaxed somewhat and let the pages slide down, at least far enough to speak, his concentration returning, for the most part, to the pages between his fingers. "The Road." He said in a sharp, yet decidedly more friendly manner then he had taken with the counselor from before. Assuming the boy would want a little detail, Clement went on. "Survival story, one of my favorites." He said, his sentences short, and admittedly rather simple, but to the point. As he said so, Clement released his fingers from hiding the title, as if to show he wasn't lying. Straightening his glasses, Clement gave the boy a small, if somewhat awkward smile. "You read?" He offered, almost daring to turn his attention fully away from his book, the prospect of a fellow bookworm was a rather entertaining one, as he loved to discuss his favorites.
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Raftel
Feb 13, 2012 20:27:28 GMT -5
Post by Rygand on Feb 13, 2012 20:27:28 GMT -5
As the ball hit the court's floor with a rubbery bump, Tim, Alex and Jacob rushed after it all at once. Almost as if by the trickery of some higher power, just as they were about the reach it, it bounced off and over their heads. This caused all three to collide into each other, knocking each of them over, like in some Three Stooges short.
The ball landed once again just on the edge of the asphalt of the field, still having enough momentum for another hard bounce. It's mark this time was even more unfortunate. The ball found itself heading straight for Tori, whom was too preoccupied with her yo-yo to notice this rubbery menace of doom heading her way. Before she could react, the ball smacked her right on the nose, making her fall over, possibly with a nosebleed.
A silence fell upon the court. One may have imagined a tumbleweed making it's way across the field, but it was not quite dry enough for such.
Maria blinked at the young girl, before bursting into laughter. She had a quite distinctive laugh, which may have sounded like a particularly jovial crow. Cute, but perhaps a bit grating if one was exposed to it for too long. She wiped a tear from her eye, snickering still.
"Yeah, I agree. Boys are dumb, and have cooties." She smiled at Kenna, brightly. "Though, some of them are kind of nice..."
She stood up and placed her hands on her hips, giving a peppy grin. "I'm Maria! What's your name?" A wide smile on her face, she looked at Kenna, expectantly.
Thatch scratched his nose, smiling a bit shyly. "Eh, yeah. I really like books..." He pushed up his glasses using his index and middle fingers, a well practiced tick similar to Clement's. "I haven't had too much time to read lately, though... I've been moving around a lot."
The boy looked away for a moment in thought, scratching his cheek. "I'd like to read some more. My favourite book is Lord of the Flies, I think..." He smiled at Clement brightly. "Oh! Either that, or The Hobbit!"
"I've never heard about The Road, though. Do you think I might like that one?"
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