A Path Of Blood And Brains

Arthur and Clementine had been staying on the Greene farm for three months now. During that time, Hershel had grown fond of Clementine, the spirited eight-year-old, and had developed a deep respect for Arthur.

Arthur had taken to farm life with ease, tending to the horses and hunting for food. He found immense joy in caring for the horses, spending hours grooming them and ensuring they were well-fed. Hershel, however, was determined not to let Clementine sit idly by. So, Arthur took her under his wing, bringing her along every time he worked with the horses or went out hunting. While he never allowed her to shoot anything, he patiently taught her the basics of caring for the animals and tracking in the woods.

Recently, a couple had moved onto the farm: a man named Otis and his wife Patricia, along with a young man named Jimmy, who happened to be Beth's boyfriend. Hershel was particularly stern with Jimmy, a fact that was evident to everyone and for understandable reasons.

One sunny afternoon, as Arthur was tending to the horses alongside Clementine, Maggie approached them. She was a striking young woman, her dark hair catching the light as she walked, and Arthur couldn't help but notice her. However, he quickly reminded himself that he had more pressing matters to focus on.

"Hey, Arthur," Maggie called out, her voice light and playful as she approached. She smiled, her dark hair dancing with the gentle breeze as she absentmindedly twirled a strand around her finger. Almost immediately, her gaze shifted to Clementine. "Hello, sweetie," she greeted warmly, her tone softening.

"Hello," Clementine replied with an innocent smile, her small hands busy gathering hay while wearing a pair of worn gloves. She had become quite adept at her chores, her focus unwavering as she worked diligently alongside Arthur.

"Hey there, Ms. Greene," Arthur said, tipping his new cowboy hat with a casual charm. He had finally acquired a hat.

"Oh, come on!" Maggie exclaimed, rolling her eyes dramatically. "I've told you a hundred times to just call me Maggie."

Arthur smirked, trying to keep the mood light. "Sure, Maggie," he replied.

Maggie stepped closer, her tone playful as she leaned against the fence, crossing her arms. "You know, Arthur, I could really use a strong hand...for something." She flashed him a flirtatious smile, her lips curving in a way that was both inviting and mischievous.

Arthur maintained his composure, keeping his focus on Clementine as she worked diligently, completely unaware of the subtle tension swirling around them. "I think I've got my hands full with this one," he replied, nodding toward Clementine, who was obliviously stacking the hay into a neat pile.

Maggie leaned in a little closer, her voice lowering to a conspiratorial whisper, "You know, I've always thought a man who knows how to care for horses is quite a catch. Maybe I could join you?"

Still, Arthur remained unfazed on the surface, though his heart raced. "I appreciate the offer, but I reckon I can handle this one myself," he said lightly, hoping to deflect her attention without hurting her feelings.

Maggie's smile faltered just a bit, frustration flickering in her eyes as her playful banter failed to garner the reaction she had hoped for. With a huff, she straightened up, tossing her hair back over her shoulder. "Well, you're no fun, Arthur," she said, pretending to pout. "Maybe I'll just have to find someone."

With that, she turned on her heel, her footsteps echoing against the wooden boards of the barn as she walked away, leaving behind a faint scent of lavender.

Arthur sighed softly to himself, shaking his head as he watched her go. "I reckon she ain't the type to back down easy," he muttered, half-amused and half-exasperated.

"What won't she give up on?" Clementine asked innocently, glancing up from her task, her brow furrowed in confusion.

"Ain't nothin' you gotta worry 'bout, darlin'," Arthur replied with a soft smile. He returned to his work, a mix of amusement and annoyance lingering as he tried to shake off the encounter, while Clementine resumed her chores, blissfully unaware of the subtle dance of flirtation that had just unfolded.

———

As the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting long shadows across the Greene farm, Arthur decided it was time to head into the woods for a bit of hunting. He grabbed his bow, a quiver of arrows, and a sturdy knife before setting off. The woods were a familiar place for him, filled with the scents of pine and earth, and he relished the peace they provided.

With each step, he moved quietly, mindful of the fallen leaves and twigs underfoot. The soft rustling of the trees and the distant chirping of birds accompanied him as he ventured deeper into the woods. He had learned early on that patience was key when hunting; he needed to remain alert and still if he was to catch sight of any game.

After a while, Arthur spotted movement in the underbrush. He crouched low, adjusting the grip on his bow. Peering through the foliage, he saw a pair of rabbits nibbling on some grass. They were close enough that he could make a clean shot if he was careful. Drawing his bow, he took a steady breath, focusing on the target. With a smooth release, the arrow flew through the air, striking one of the rabbits with a soft thud. The other rabbit bolted, but Arthur was quick, moving to retrieve his catch.

Just as he was about to stand up, a low growl echoed through the trees, sending a shiver down his spine. Arthur's heart raced as he turned to face the noise. Emerging from the shadows was a zombie, its skin pale and decayed, eyes hollow and lifeless. The creature stumbled forward, drawn by the sound of his movement.

"Damn it," Arthur muttered under his breath. He reached for another arrow, not wanting to make a sound that would attract more of the undead. With careful aim, he let loose another arrow, hitting the zombie square in the forehead. It dropped to the ground with a sickening thud, and Arthur felt a wave of relief wash over him. He had encountered a few zombies in his time, and though they were easy enough to dispatch when caught off guard, he never let his guard down completely.

Continuing deeper into the woods, he soon spotted a larger target—a deer, grazing peacefully in a clearing. Arthur moved slowly, his heart pounding with excitement. He knelt down, taking his time to steady his breathing, drawing the bowstring back as he focused on the deer.

With a swift motion, he released the arrow, watching as it flew true, striking the deer in the side. The animal stumbled, but it didn't fall immediately. Arthur quickly moved in, knowing he needed to finish the job before it could escape. He drew his knife, closing the distance with determined strides. The deer faltered, and with one precise movement, he put it down, ensuring it wouldn't suffer any longer.

Taking a moment to catch his breath, Arthur felt a sense of accomplishment wash over him. He had secured enough meat to bring back to Hershel and the others. He carefully field-dressed the deer, ensuring not to waste any part of it, before gathering his kills. With the two rabbits slung over one shoulder and the deer draped across his back, he began the trek back to the farm.

As he walked, his mind wandered back to Clementine. He had promised to teach her more about hunting and caring for animals. He could already see the sparkle in her eyes when she learned something new, and it filled him with a warmth he hadn't expected.

When he finally returned to the Greene farm, the sun was setting, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple. Hershel was on the porch, his gaze falling upon Arthur as he approached, a satisfied grin spreading across his face.

"Looks like you had a successful day, Arthur," Hershel called out, his voice booming with approval. "What did you bring back?"

Arthur dropped the deer to the ground with a thud, then held up the two rabbits, a proud smile on his face. "Just a few meals for the table, that's all," he replied, still catching his breath.

Hershel's expression softened as he surveyed the bounty. "You're a fine hunter, Arthur. And I reckon those kids will love having some fresh meat around."