#task two

Ray blinked up at the intimidating man in front of him. Shoot, he thought to himself, he already forgot this guy’s name, too. He’s flanked by a less intimidating looking woman and someone taking notes in the corner. Which was part of the reason he was so sweaty. That, a lack of shower for far too long, and the humidity.

“Sorry sir, where are my manners?” Ray said with his most charming smile, the one that makes his cheek dimple and his eyes crinkle just a little. What was the question again? Right. Where was he from?

“I grew up in a small town south’a here. Barely a spec of dust on the map. But I spent most of the outbreak at Fort Benning.”

A typical Ray answer, friendly enough to give information but vague enough to not actually give information. There was a scribbling noise as the recorder documented his answers. Ray tried not to stare or look too nervous.

“How would you describe yourself?”

“Country boy,” Ray answered instantly. “Born and bred in Georgia, Go Dawgs.”

A simple and safe answer. Ray felt like he was back in grade school again. Was it possible to be wrong answering questions about himself? Could he fail a Ray Turner quiz?

“How many walkers have you killed?”“

“I don’t-” his smile faltered for the first time since sitting down. “Sorry, I’m not sure how many walkers I’ve taken care of.”

It’s hard to kill the undead. Despite that glazed over look in their eyes and the feral hunger, every single walker was a person at some point. Ray said a prayer, every night before bed when he was outside of the Fort’s walls, for every undead person he had to put down, but he never kept a body count. It felt too disrespectful of the dead to keep a tally list, nameless and faceless.

“Enough to stay alive, I guess. I can protect myself.”

“How many people have you killed?”

“None,” the answer was firm and instant. “I’ve never harmed nobody alive.”

“Are you searching for anyone?”

That question threw Ray for a loop. He paused, scratching at the wild beard he had been sporting. He hoped Fairvale had razors.

“My family was in Texas. No idea where they wound up, but I’d like to see them again.”

There wasn’t a day that goes by that Ray doesn’t think about his parents and Jesse. Where where they? Where did they wind up? Are they still alive? Did he make the biggest mistake of his life by not leaving with them?

“Why are you here?”

Ray paused to think over the loaded question. Why was he here, in this random settlement he had no ties to? It’s a good question.

“A fresh start,” Ray answered carefully. “We found Fairvale at random, and it seemed like a good place to settle down, lay some roots.”

“Would you consider yourself a team player?”

“Yeah, definitely. We’re stronger together. Towns like this... they’re the future humanity needs. It takes a team to rebuild.”

Jesse did always say he’d be a great footballer. Too bad he wasn’t allowed to play on the team.

“Are you the type of person who will try to make the best out of a bad situation?”

“When life gives you lemons, make lemon-flavored moonshine,” Ray answered with another grin. “That’s my dad’s old joke, on account of us bein’ genuine moonshiners and all. Y’all got a bar here?”

“What skills do you have that will benefit the community?”

“I’m pretty handy.” Ray could sell himself. This question feels easier. “Really good with American made motorcycles and trucks, and I can get by with the rest. I can hunt and fire a rifle as long as you don’t expect Anne Oakley. I pour a mean cocktail, can make my own liquor too if y’all got the rig to do it. Been told I got a face that’s easy to talk to. I suppose that’s a skill too, nowadays, right?”

“Can you handle yourself in a crisis?”

“I think so. World’s nothin’ but a crisis right now. The goal is not to let it chew us up too much so that we can make it to the other side in one piece.”

“What are you willing to do to protect the people and things you care about?”

“Y’all really don’t pull any punches with these questions, huh?” Ray took a moment to think over his answer.

“I’m not a man of violence, but that isn’t realistic any more. I know how to defend myself. If it comes down to it, well, I’d gladly take up arms to keep mine safe.”

“Do you have any pre-existing medical conditions our medical staff should be informed about?”

“Nope.” Ray hated lying, but it was more a fib. It wasn’t a condition, really, just a reality. “Fit as a fiddle.”

Any medical needs... well, Ray’s been doing just fine on his own. He always had, and he didn’t need any help now.

“Y’all got any more questions for me?” He asked after they wrapped up. Cautious optimism flooded him. He had a good feeling about Fairvale.

This playlist starts out soft and slow, showing Arya’s inner vulnerability and reflecting on moments from her childhood. Then, like her, it transitions into something cynical and angry, showing the evolution of her personality. If you would like to give it a listen, you can check it out on Spotify here.

You’ll Be In My Heart - Phil Collins | “This bond between us can’t be broken. I will be here, don’t you cry.”

This song is a guilty pleasure for Arya. It reminds her of her childhood and all that she has lost along the way. In moments of weakness, it gives her strength and reminds her that her loved ones will always remain in her heart. 

Wild World - Cat Stevens | “And it’s breaking my heart you’re leaving. Baby, I’m grieving.”

As someone who grew up listening to her parents’ records, Arya has a true appreciation for the classics. This song also foreshadows Arya’s future and leaving town to go out into the world on her own. Although this song wasn’t written about a father/daughter relationship, it holds a lot of truth to what Dusty was feeling when his daughter left Mystic. 

Vienna - Billy Joel | “You’ve got your passion, you’ve got your pride. But don’t you know that only fools are satisfied?”

As stated in her bio, Arya spent a lot of time getting to know her mother through the record collection she left behind. Billy Joel’s album, The Stranger, was by far her favorite growing up. While a handful of these songs could have been on the playlist, this was always one of Arya’s favorites because she could identify with its lyrics. (Honourable mentions to Movin’ Out and Only The Good Die Young)

Tell Me How - Paramore | “I can’t call you a stranger, but I can’t call you.”

Arya could never admit to missing Erin, but she thought about her almost daily. This song is about a relationship/friendship being over and not knowing how to feel about a person who once meant so much to you. For Arya, dealing with these emotions have always been difficult and it’s hard not to care, even when she tells herself she doesn’t.

When You Were Young - The Killers | “Sometimes you close your eyes and see the place where you used to live, when you were young.”

This is a song about the loss of innocence and how things aren’t always the way you imagined them to be. When Arya was young, she would dream about the day her mom would come back for her, the day she’d get married, the day she’d have a successful band. But she feels rather naive to have done so.

Bad At Love - Halsey | “I know that you’re afraid I’m going to walk away each time the feeling fades.”

This song is pretty self-explanatory. No matter how hard Arya tries, she has trouble letting people in and isn’t very good with love or relationships.

Somebody To Love - Jefferson Airplane | “When the truth is found to be lies and all the joy within you dies, don’t you want somebody to love?”

Secretly, Arya yearns for an unconditional love. Somebody who is going to be there for her through all of life’s struggles. This song is about just that. Whether it’s romantic or platonic, love will get you through the toughest of times. She also associates the song with her parents’ relationship, as she used to watch them dance to it in home movies. 

Cherry Bomb - The Runaways | “Hello, world, I’m your wild girl.”

This song pretty much encapsulates Arya -- or at least what she wants the world to see. Someone who is wild, adventurous, and unapologetic. It also hints at her more seductive side.

All Signs Point To Lauderdale - A Day To Remember | “I hate this town, it’s so washed up and all my friends don’t give a fuck.”

This is a pretty angry song about hating your hometown and the people in it -- about feeling like you don’t belong. It perfectly describes Arya’s feelings toward Mystic.

Bad Reputation - Joan Jett | “I don’t give a damn ‘bout my reputation.”

Who are/were their parents? jamies parents are named mariana and jenson ashford, though his mum has sadly passed away. His dad is a builder and he is moody and rude but also very caring at times. 

Do they have any siblings? What are/were they like? he is an only child,

Do they have any allergies, diseases, or other physical weaknesses? no allergies or diseases or even physical weaknesses.

Are you right- or left-handed? Right handed. 

What words and/or phrases do they use very frequently? alright or it is what it is

How would they describe their childhood in general? a pretty decent childhood, apart from always on the move, he was given a pretty chill and relaxed childhood. 

While growing up, did they have any role models? If so, describe them. not really. 

While growing up, how did they get along with the other members of their family? Well he got on really well with his mum but him and his dad used to argue a lot growing up. 

As a child, what did they want to be when they grew up? he wanted to be a teacher when he was growing up. 

As a child, what were their favorite activities? reading mostly and running. 

When and with whom was their first kiss? he had his first kiss at 14 with a girl from school. 

What do they consider the most important event of their life so far? Probably coming out as bisexual or losing his mum. 

What do they consider their greatest achievement? Building his own business. 

What is their greatest regret? pushing people away when he gets scared. 

What is the most evil thing they have ever done? he’s not really doen something evil except break someones heart. 

Do they have a criminal record of any kind? nope. 

Do ythey believe in the existence of soul mates and/or true love? not really. 

How honest are they about their thoughts and feelings? not honest at all, usually keeps it to himself. 

In general, how do they treat others (politely, rudely, by keeping them at a distance, etc.)? Does their treatment of them change depending on how well they know them, and if so, how? Most of the time he treats people kindly and politely, he tends to be sarcastic to people if he feels awkward around them. 

Have they ever been in love? If so, describe what happened. He thinks he might be in love right now but it involved him pushing the guy away and breaking his heart. 

Who would they turn to if they were in desperate need of help? his best friend Ayla, she just knows him and gets him. 

Do you trust anyone to protect you? Who, and why? Again Ayla for sure and Clarissa, just two people who would always be there. 

Do they tend to argue with people, or avoid conflict? Prefer to avoid conflict if it can be avoided. 

Do they tend to take on leadership roles in social situations? It’s usually a mix and depends on the people. 

What is their idea of good entertainment (consider music, movies, art, etc.)? Going to bars or to watch live music events really. 

Do they smoke, drink, or use drugs? If so, why? Do they want to quit? He drinks when he goes out but only socially. He also smokes but agin not that much but he does want to quit altogether. 

How do they deal with stress? Usually by going for a run or reading a book or going for a drink with a friend. 

Are they generally organized or messy? he is very organised. 

Name three things thet consider themselves to be very good at, and three things they consider themselves to be very bad at.  three things he is good at, selling, being friendly, and orgnising. three things he is bad at, communicating, being on time and cooking.