It was strange but Erika felt she had to compensate for not having the strength to kill that guard. She was so frustrated with herself, but she would do better. She would help make sure that they survived. She would find them food and she would be useful. Looking down she saw Alena had only taken half of the berries so she hesitantly ate some. They were good, and it reminded her just how hungry she was. She ate a few more before watching Alena step out of the stream. Erika pulled the water off her friend’s food so it wouldn’t end up muddy, just a little dirty.

“Alright, let’s go then.” Alena began walking along the side of the river. “We will have to be careful though because rivers often run through towns.” She remembered learning that. Rivers were a source of water and so towns were often built around them. “It might be better if we tried to find a place to sleep now and continued once night falls. The dark will give us more cover.” And if they got really lost Alena could light them a small fire.

Erika was scared and nervous, but she smiled, holding out her empty hand for Alena to take if she wanted to so they could walk together. She was constantly forgetting about the blisters that poor Alena had on her hands.