Weathered Storms

*Sits down by the fire in the pub, pulls out her leather bound journal and pens her thoughts*

Arrived in Ravenhurst today. It is dark, cold, and nearly empty. Passed a few strangers on the streets but all seemed too invested in their own little worlds. Although, that is how the world is. Kindness, charity, love...all seem to be ideals of the past. Now it is survival of the fittest. Dog eat dog world.

Maybe I was naive to think I could find my answers here. I'll give it a few days, then be on my way, though I have no idea where that will be. I'm not sure how much longer I will be able to move about with out being molested by looters and grifters.

*She sits her pen down and pulls her mother's worn journal from her bag. Her fingers run over the soft leather. A loud burst of laughter startles her and she shoves everything back into her bag. She leaves the pub and makes way to an abandoned train cart she will call home for the night.*

*Sits down for coffee at Tom's Diner. She pulls out her journal and starts to scribble a few thoughts*

I have come across a bartender on my first night and now a waitress. Neither said much. Polite enough, but not very warm. I spent the day wandering. I ventured into the tunnel, not sure what compelled me, but something kept me from going farther.

The water has receded. I was able to walk around the Old part of town. It is in disarray, not unlike most of Ravenhurst.

Where are all the people??

*She finishes her coffee and tips the waitress. Ryder heads down the street and finds the hotel. No one is at the desk. She finds a chair and claims it as her resting place for the night.*

Starting to realize that there seems not to be any one around who can offer her insight to her gifts, Ryder gathers supplies and heads south hoping to find the answers she sorely needs.