#rofd rowan

It had only been a few days since her meeting with Alex. She's sure of that. And yet, so much had changed. Mostly with herself. Rowan don't know how, but clearly, they had become infected by Alex. It's odd, thought, she's so sure she was never bitten... not even scraped, right? Not by her... fangs. She did receive a small cut between her eyes when they crashed together, but that was from her claw-like nails... could that really have done it? They were foolish to believe it couldn't be contracted that way. Stupid, stupid Rowan. No, that's not the weirdest part. The cut becoming infected due to direct exposure (that she's not sure it had) is one thing. But her arms... her arms had become decolored the day after. And that scared her. With purplish veins travelling from both her arms, her face, down to her chest... would she even last those 20 days it normally took? Once it reaches the heart, it should- No, wait, that's sepsis, stupid. Does that even apply to Aideen's Curse? Ugh...

Rowan lets out a groan as they raise their hand up, inspecting the darkened veins against the paling skin. No matter what all of this means, it's going to lead to the same thing. They'll become one of those things wandering around, a soulless creature feeding on whatever poor person it finds in its way... in a little over two weeks, she'll be gone. Undead. Should they just... get it over with now..? Before... before the inevitable? Instead of spending these weeks waiting, no, wasting away? It's over, either way, isn't it?

Rowan had finally made up their mind. They had to get out of Jarlaheim. Towards the Dino Valley community.

She didn't really want to leave the safety of the walls, but they wouldn't really be safe for much longer, if Rowan knew her human instincts well enough. Supplies were running low. Low supplies means infighting. She didn't want to stick around for that.

Packing up the few things she needed, she headed out towards the Valley. Cosmos, being the ever reliable steed, carried her off while she turned back to wave at the few friends that bothered to say goodbye. Rowan didn't seem focused on her surroundings at all, overcome with worry now that she was on her own. The gelding's ears flickered in annoyance, but he knew she needed a moment to calm her nerves, and thus walked at a rather leisurely pace.

He shouldn't have. They're not in a position to take things slow.

If only they had come a little further, maybe they would have missed her.

As they were about to enter Greendale, Cosmos suddenly came to a halt, abruptly scanning the area. Something felt off. He's sure he saw something, heard something out of place. Zombies? He could deal with zombies.

If only.

Instead, before either of them had the chance to react, Rowan suddenly gets flung off her horse, the speed and impact when they landed knocking the air right out of her. Something hovers above her, snarling, dripping down blood mixed with what they think is foamed up saliva onto them, while they desperately push it back up with their hands around its neck and her arms locked straight. The sound of snapping teeth and angry growls fills her ears and she looks up and…

It's Alex.

Undeniably. Despite her warped appearance, she'd recognize her friend anywhere. Eyes rolled back, unnaturally long fangs threatening to bite down, dark veins crossing her skin, but still in her iconic blueish flannel and with her long, dark blonde hair. Their eyes meet, yet there's nothing but enraged thirst in response to Rowan's silent plea for recognition, mercy.

This is what became of the Soul Riders..?

Just as Rowan's arms are about to give way, Cosmos springs into action and bites down on Alex's arm, pulling her off of his rider. Rowan stares in horror as her steed throws the husk of her friend onto the ground, stomping and kicking in blind rage, while Alex just screeches in fury. It seems this meal is too much effort for her, as she suddenly stumbles back, choosing to flee the scene, but not before being properly chased off by Cosmos.

When he returns to his rider's side, she's only managed to sit up, one eye half closed while the other inspects her arms…

It burns. And not like it had before. Suppressing her magic has given her rashes covering most of her body, small little wounds, and they tended to sting. But this? No, this felt different. The yellow-greenish liquid coating them should've made it obvious, but she didn't know. All she knew was that something was wrong.

They were nearing the end. Almost 20 days later. Almost.

At this point, Rowan had given up on trying... well, anything. She's too weak, either way. It feels like her body ceased functioning, but her consciousness remains intact. She tried to keep her usual routine up, but that all ended near day 14, when their body outright rejected the apple she tried to eat. Barely a bite, and they were curled up on themself, coughing up the tiny portion of fruit and an excessive amount of saliva. They cried for 20 minutes straight afterwards. There was no recovery or return.

Day 19 is nearing its end. At least, they think so. The last day or two has been... a blur. She remembers Cosmos trying to carry her still when she became motionless on his back. She vaguely remembers falling to the ground. That's where they've stayed for... some amount of time, they don't know anymore. They tried getting up at some point but their limbs refused to answer, so they abandoned that idea as well.

Cosmos stands next to her in her near-dead state, simply observing her and their surroundings. Until Rowan is gone, he shall stand with her, he thinks. He'd tell her if she could hear him. Hopefully the gesture is enough.

With their eyes fixed on the night sky, the last thing she'll ever see, they couldn't help but smile weakly. Lucky. A clear night. Being so far away from any artificial lights, the stars seem to shine twice as bright as usual, illuminating each galaxy in the far, far, distance.