The sounds of rustling foliage and small panicked squeals caught Jinn's ear as he passed through the brush. The warms rays of the morning sun filtering through the trees gave just enough light to betray the whining creature's position as it tried to escape from its trappings. Jinn took slow, deliberate steps as he approached, coming up on the small beast just as it tired itself. The brown rodent lay on its side, its beady black eyes zeroing in on the child before darting frantically all about. Its entire body pulsed in time with its fluttering heartbeat. Jinn's blood-orange eyes regarded the creature with a cold gaze before looking at the trappings around the creature's neck. It had managed to panic itself into a noose of string. Despite his indifferent, almost disgusted appearance he was glad he'd stumbled across someone's catch. It was a small creature but it'd have to suffice for now. He gripped the rodent in his hand and yanked harshly. The string snapped along with its captive's neck. Its head flopped to the side and its body twitched for a moment longer before falling limp, its once panicked black eyes became glassy and vacant.<br/><br/>"Yahweh," he whispered to the dead rodent in a low voice before continuing his trek forward. He found his way toward a mountain path but decided against walking along it. He instead kept a close eye on the trail as he carefully made his way through the thickets that lined the path. His travels slowed to a snail's pace as dry fallen branches made his way forward a snapping, crackling alarm to anyone nearby.<br/><br/>The distant clank of metal on metal caught Jinn off guard.<span style="font-style: italic">"Soldiers"</span>He'd been so focused on moving forward that he hadn't been paying attention to the path. He crouched low and sat stark still, his heart hammered in his ears as he took a moment to scan the area. He spotted the gleam further up the path. He cursed his inattentiveness and quickly retreated into the forest. His breathing became ragged and his steps less careful as he trekked. He gritted his teeth and drew his cloak up around him. He could handle fatigue, hunger, exhaustion... but this cold. His wrappings provided little defense. He needed to find his way out of this place and quick. His only path was blocked off and he had no idea how to get to the great Lakes from here. He had no idea how to get anywhere. His best bet would be to try and survey the area. After a moment of searching, Jinn came to a clearing overlooking the area.<br/><br/>Jinn bathed in the warmth of the sun. It did little to combat the chill in the air but it was nice nonetheless. His moment came to an end as he began to look over the forest. The soldiers were closing in. He immediately shrank away from the ledge, dropping down on his stomach as he moved backwards. It was a hopeless effort; his white cloak, his hair, his skin it all looked out of place in this environment.<br/><br/><span style="font-weight: bold"> "Hey! Wake up, sleepy head,"</span>. His heart rammed against his chest. A voice. Very close. He peered over the cliff once more and glimpsed a wisp of a girl with red hair, almost as red as his own. His only choices were to stay out in plain sight or seek aid. Even if the girl didn't want to help, he was assured he could manage to subdue her if necessary.<br/><br/>"Psst," he whispered down before lowering himself onto the ledge, he shimmied across until he met a sloped rock face. He slid off the wall and his feet met the ground with a small slap. His footsteps were clear as he wandered back over to the girl.<br/><br/>"I'm guessing this is yours?" he said as he dropped the deceased rodent next to the crackling fire. He was finally able to look at this girl head on. Maybe it was the shadows cast by the overhang, but this girl looked gaunt, more so than she did from a distance. It was as if he were staring down a skeleton that had stolen a girl's skin. Like staring death in the face. He wavered for a moment before spotting another girl in much better shape sleeping a few feet away.<br/><br/>"You on the run?" he didn't need to whisper, his small voice carried no weight "I spotted some soldiers ahead and I need a place, alright?" it wasn't really a request.