Ariel Irene
Making my way eastward. Foraging as best as I can. Mostly dewberries and hibiscus so far, and some pecans every now and then. I found a little stream and have been following it for most of the afternoon. I don’t want to risk going without water until I absolutely have to. Food is already scarce, as the sharp pang in my stomach reminds me. Not much else to report, even if I had the time and strength to do so.
I miss you, Esther. I hope you know that this is all worth it. That you’re worth all this.
Lilo Talei
It was so interesting to see all the traces of past prisoners on the very first day. I found so many little engravings on the walls of the cave, even though the only light I had was a small candle. “Death to the old; life to the new” was my favorite. I’ve found myself repeating it under my breath a lot since then. “The ravens roost in the east” was another one. I keep looking for more messages, or old stuff, or any sign that those people didn’t just die off in the cave, but I haven’t seen anything else.
Today was pretty uneventful. Thaddeus found a compass in his bag, and we’ve been making our way eastward. Neither of us is quite sure why, but we both agree this is the way to go. Maybe we’re looking for the ravens. There are some mountains way out in the east—well, I guess they look like they’re way out there. I have no idea how far they really are. But for now there’s been a lot of greenery and these really fascinating butterflies that are sort of iridescent purple. They kind of flit around but if you hold a hand out they’ll land on you. Much friendlier than any other butterflies I’ve ever seen, and they always land on these beautiful pink and white flowers that Thaddeus says are edible. I haven’t tried them yet. Still a little nervous after yesterday. But they’re pretty, if nothing else.
I spotted Ariel earlier. I wanted to call out to her and see how she’s doing, but Thaddeus told me it wouldn’t help anything. I hate the thought of her being out there all on her own. Does she know what’s safe to eat? Does she have matches to start a fire once the sun goes down? What will she do if something happens?
I was trying to convince Thaddeus that he was wrong, that we really ought to make Ariel come with us, but he didn’t seem to be listening. He doesn’t really say much, and I think he wishes I would say a lot less… but I’m glad he didn’t leave. It’s less scary when he’s here, even if we have to move way slower than I’d like. He’s gotta be old enough to be my dad.
Thaddeus Diggory
I am coming to the realization that Lilo talks as much as she does because of a deep-seated anxiety. I find myself wondering if all young women face this… if Charlotte is facing this, or will in a few years. It is curious to ponder the similarities between the two. There is so much I’m missing out on.
Oh, for a second chance. But alas, it is too late for that.
Instead of wallowing, I try to distract myself by observing this place, which I understand less with each passing hour. The Edenic garden was a surprise, but only the first of many. Although I’ve become quite familiar with the local flora and fauna at home, there are many species of trees and flowers that I don’t recognize, in addition to the purple butterflies that Lilo is so fascinated by and at least two types of beetles I’ve never encountered. I suppose it may not be safe to assume that this place, whatever it is, is local to the area where I lived and was arrested, but so much else seems familiar: the sprawling oaks, the stubbly grass, the horseflies and fireflies, the chittering of squirrels, the calls of mockingbirds.
And yet, in the midst of it, something so new and unusual as to make me question everything I thought I knew.
I suppose it doesn’t matter either way. We won’t be getting out of here. Such an unwarranted mercy, to have a beautiful place to die.
You’re reading The Ravenswing Report, a rapid-fire, limited-run serial from Sara Dietz at Blinking Blue Line. To learn more and access the Table of Contents, click here.
That last line, though!
Oof, Thaddeus has a past.