Gage woke quickly and suddenly, out of what he could only call a waking dream. For a moment he thought he’d seen a shadow moving into the area and around what was left of the fire. But blinking away the haze of sleep, he realized it was only the smoke that had been caught in the wind and blown back, then up. With a sigh, he stood, stretching long before glancing at Lola. She was still asleep, luckily, and her dreams didn’t appear to be disturbed. Stepping around the fire, Gage shivered as he neared the entrance and looked up. The sky was very, very dark, and he’d learned that it grew only this dark when dawn was close. Ducking back in, Gage shook himself out, taking a few minutes to work the cricks out of his muscles and avoid possible cramps at a later period.

Slowly, he woke Lola. The girl was known to react with a swift punch should she very suddenly be jarred awake. But at his calm voice, she opened her eyes, hiding her face a bit as she adjusted to the light still thrown by the hot embers nearby. Though she quickly shook herself awake, stood, and rubbed feeling back into her left arm. As Gage rolled up the blankets and strapped them back down, she took up her new flute and pulled on her heavy coat, then followed her uncle in rolling her pallet up and stuffing it into the largest bag. After Gage warmed more of the dried meat over what was left of the fire, he moved the branches away and found his own coat. It was longer than Lola’s, so it fell to his knees, and before they had left their safe haven, he’d bought thick boots for himself as well. They were at the bottom of one of the smaller bags, so he pulled everything out before finding them.

It was still early when Gage used snow to douse the fire, and he kept Lola close as they started off again. “We’ll be away from here soon enough.” He said to her. The girl nodded, and put her flute to her lips, playing a long, low tune.

Working her way through the cliffs was easier now with the sun's light. Crisscrossing for what felt like miles was tiresome. The wind was free to pick at her and tug at her clothing and hair. Still, she didn't pause or allow self-pity to distract her. Romeo and herself were a team and their efforts were in sync with each other. If he stepped upwards, she leaned forward. If he went down a slope, she leaned back. If she was navigating a particularly narrow ledge or walking among loose rocks, she stayed deadcenter to make the balancing easier. All the while the muscles in her thighs and calves were taunt keeping her attached no matter what might happen. Feeling each of his muscles beneath her, she responded minutely as only their close relationship allowed. It was a good thing too for several times the slick rocks caused his to slip or trip. Regaining their balance was a partnership effort that took mere seconds. Seconds that could be the life or death of them.

The continuing rising sun soon was high in the sky. She wondered if they would reach the halfway point before lunch. Sharana was certain that they would. An early lunch never hurt anyone. Romeo could use the nourishment from their rough trip so far. At times, she thought she heard a flute and hoped it was so. The music from her flute had a calming effect that she had always relished. Sharana hoped it would help the girl now. Finally seeing the trail with a cave like resting area, she breathed a sigh of relief. They were halfway down and it was not quite noon yet. Riding inside and out of the constant wind, she grinned and dismounted. An area several horses could easily rest in, there was plenty of space for the two of them to stretch out. She pulled out another measure of grain for Romeo and attached the muzzle so that he could eat. She drank some more cider and pulled out some tried meat to chew on. As she waited for Romeo to finish his meal so that she could give him the only water she had, Sharana looked out at the forest below. They were so much closer now. Halfway down brought them within view of just how large and tall those green and mossy trees were. As well as the possible humidity in them. For though at this point the snow no longer existed, the warm humidity in those trees created a damp fog that could get irritable. She didn't relish that aspect.

Gage sighed as he looked up. The sun was nearing a solid point in the sky that indicated noontime. Looking around to Lola, he found she had stopped her music and was staring at the flute in her hand. A well-crafted thing, not like the one she’d created herself several years ago. He had no idea why it had been left for them. Perhaps to keep those nearby alerted of their position. “Lola...” He said suddenly, and she looked up with her large, pure eyes. “Maybe you shouldn’t play that flute anymore today, okay?”

She nodded and put the flute in an inside pocket of her coat. She certainly looked warm; the cold wind didn’t seem to interfere with her, despite her soft cloth dress beneath the heavier layer. Glancing upward, she noted the position of the sun, and when she looked past her uncle, found with a bit of surprise that they were more on a cliffside path that began to overlook a forest. Were they nearing a milestone in this journey that had only begun? Well, they looked to be about halfway down, anyway. Or nearing that mark. She almost smiled at the thought, until she felt a gnawing hunger creep up out of her unconscious. Pulling Gage’s arm, he bent down so he could hear her: “Is it near lunchtime?”

Gage nodded. “Yes, I almost forgot.” He reached into the bag slung over one shoulder. “We’ve still got quite a bit of food, if we raton it. Do you want to stop somewhere?”

Lola thought for a moment, then shook her head. “No. I want to get off the mountain. The forest looks so nice...” She sighed as she looked down. If she could survive the fall she would simply jump down into the trees. But that was impossible. She accepted the handful of dried meat and an apple from Gage, and as they walked, she stared around. “So beautiful.” She commented.

“It is.” Gage agreed. “Beautiful and dangerous.”

Lola bobbed her head in agreement, and went a little ahead. “You’re sure I can’t play my flute anymore?” She asked.

Gage glanced around. Looks could be deceiving, but no one could have followed. And Sharana had probably long abandoned them. “You know... I don’t mind. We could do with a little music from a talented musician, I think.”

Happily, Lola finished her quick lunch fast, accepted a drink of water, and pulled her flute back out. She played a bit happier, considering they’d soon be on flat ground and in the comfort of enclosed trees. Gage smiled as he watched her walk and play, a talented little girl that was his own niece. Suddenly the cold didn't feel so cold. But maybe that was just the pride warming him.

Riding through the last of the rocky areas, she finally slipped into the woods. Sighing, she looked back up the way she had come. The sun was faltering in the sky. If she was wise, she would head out and look for a good campsite. Still, this was a part of the journey that, though lacked cliffs, was still dangerous. No longer prey to loose rocks, she had to once again keep an eye open for beasts. There were so many directions that they might come from. Gage and his girl stood no chance by themselves. They were unfamiliar with her land. It bothered her that they had allowed themselves to survive. Now she had to help them. Still, she kept hoping that Gage would betray the girl and therefore his intentions with this trip. Anything to prove he had been in league with the other men who had died.

Turning, she looked down below her. The trail was mossy and slick with moisture. Past experience taught her to not ride on the path. It was rocky and more slick than anything else. She turned and moved off to the side into the brush. Settling herself to wait out of sight so that she could protect their right flank, Sharana wondered if the girl liked the flute or not. She surely hoped so. There was a stream ahead of them that everyone could refill at. It would also make a good camping spot. Not that they knew that. Still, wherever they went, she would follow. At least until Gage betrayed the girl. Then she would save her and leave him to die with the beasts. That Gage wouldn't leave the girl to save himself hadn't occurred to her.

Gage had no idea how long they walked. He was more interested in keeping Lola in sight. And he did. He allowed her a ways away, but kept his knife out in case another situation came up. He'd die first before he allowed Marin's sister to fall. Even if it were hopeless... But he shook that thought from his head. As long as he could protect Lola, it wasn't hopeless. That steely determination had gotten him far, and his own skills in healing and counteracting poisons from unknown foods had kept him, and many others, alive. It was what let him survive traveling this damned place a time before, even alone for a ways. Impossible? Perhaps. He knew the limits of his own ability. He knew Lola's weaknesses. While it would be a difficult road ahead, especially without a guide he could trust, he had to put faith in himself, and Lola. She was strong, she'd shown that when she acted on the animal that had killed her sister. Stronger than he'd ever believed. It couldn't be normal, but Gage's logical mind had to consider the facts. Lola was just energized. Filled with adrenaline. That's what gave her the strength to snap the neck of a massive beast three times her size. Even that was a little difficult to believe, but ht had to accept it as fact, or some type of fact.

After a moment, Gage realized the music had stopped. Shaken from his thoughts, he looked at Lola. She had the flute at her side, gripped loosely in her hand, and she was still walking strong. He jogged to catch up. “You okay, Lola?”

“We're near the forest.” She said placidly. Looking around, Gage realized she was right. Indeed, they had gone down, and were on a rather slippery pathway that began to drift into the flat lands and humidity below. She took a deep breath, smelling the greenery that began to envelop them.

“Lola.” Gage turned to her, and stood close to her. “Don't go wandering off. I don't want something happening to you.”

Lola nodded, grabbing Gage's arm and holding it tight.

Watching the two enter into the forest, Sharana and Romeo shifted backwards out of sight. Readying her sword, she stayed with them keeping a watch out for any creature that might attack. It was nearing dark. Most likely the creatures would wait until nightfall. Still, she didn't want to take a chance and let her guard down. You never knew what might happen. Also, she would have to face him sooner or later. It really appeared he cared about the girl. She waited to see how he handled things first. Watching them slipping on the mossy wet trail and his care to support the girl had her wondering. Maybe, maybe she was wrong. Maybe it had only been the others that were already dead that were a threat to her people. If that was the case, she would fight to keep them alive. The humid air was full of fog and dripping leaves. The woods seemed to be taking a life of their own. Until they were clear of these large trees and into the hills, not even she would find this land friendly.

After a while, Lola sighed heavily and took off the coat and thick boots, pausing for a moment as she did. The humidity made the air warm and heavy, and the fog that always seemed to be a constant fifty feet around them was relatively unnerving. Gage took her coat and boots, stuffing them into the largest bag. The trees were thick here, and didn’t allow sunlight through their heavy canopies. He kept one hand behind Lola should she slip too much on the mossy pathway. It seemed not many had passed here for a good while.

Lola glanced up. “Where’d Sharana get to?” She asked suddenly.

Gage looked surprised. “I... don’t know, sweetie. She left us behind and is probably long, long gone by now.”

“Abandoned us.” Lola’s voice fell. Gage glanced down with a raised brow. “Abandoned us. Like... like... she never even believed we’d make it.”

“No, Lola.” He believed it, though. Gage was sure this Nircoti girl never even thought about leading them all the way. Lola, however, hadn’t heard him. She was glaring at the flute in her hands. He looked to her as she raised her hand with it clenched hard, ready to throw it into the trees and brush. He bent down, grabbing her arm.

“Lola!” He brought her hand down and pulled her around, and the girl sighed, burying her face in his shoulder. “It’s okay. Keep it. You need practice, remember? And don’t think about her. We’ll get as far as we can, okay?”

Though she didn’t trust the place, Lola nodded, but remained where she was for a moment. No guide meant massive danger. She didn’t want to lose her uncle like she lost her father. And now, her sister.

Dark was falling fast. The canopy of trees alone was enough to create an early dusk. The twilight was deepened in shadows quickly with the heavy fog though. The moist warm earth collided with cool air from the mountain at night and warm air from the riding sun by day. The constant moisture from the mists and fog battled each other leaving the trees' branches dripping in water. Hearing the two travelers slip and slide as they carefully worked their way along the path almost brought a smirk to Sharana's face. The only thing that stopped her was that Gage still hadn't abandoned the girl to make his way on his own. He kept his pace with the child's and encouraged her on. Sighing, she wondered how they would react next time they saw her. That scared her. It shouldn't. She didn't value their opinions or care if they passed judgment on her. Still, she was scared. If only they could understand how important her homeland was to her.

Off in the distance, she heard the sounds of some of the canine groups organizing their nightly hunts. They were a ways away. Still, when the birds ceased their chatter, she didn't care how far away the danger seemed. Every instinct tuned in to the sounds around them. If the direwolves were far away, that left the large cats to hunt here. She drew a short sword that could handle such heavy weight and still be parried, and edged closer towards the two. Did they realize the danger they were in? Then she saw them, two large cats both easily the size of two large men each bounding through the trees high above right for the trail. She shifted and felt Romeo go into fighting mode. Mere seconds remained. As the cats closed in on their location, she raced forward.

Gage appreciated the quiet, hushed noise of the forest, but still understood how dangerous it could be. Lola stepped lightly, so she didn’t slip quite as much as Gage. Of course, he was weighted down with most of the bags as well. In the quiet during which Lola didn’t play her songs, the birds supplied a respite from one’s imagination, creating dark creatures lurking where there were none, glowing eyes ready to attack with claws as sharp as broken glass. He didn’t much mind the dripping moisture from the trees, the dark that became stronger as they went on. He could still see, and Lola was near. He could make a torch from what he’d bought before setting off, after all. He glanced up again. Absolute silence reigned.

“Lola, stop.” Gage stepped close to her. “I don’t hear birds or insects.”

“Is that...?”

“Yes, very bad. It means something’s nearby, predators.” He heard something... Shifting, running to their right. He pulled his dagger out and held it tight. “Lola, go up a tree, you’ll be out of the line.”

“B-but Dad---!” She gasped and fell silent. Gage’s eyes widened slightly, but he didn’t have much time to react. She set her flute on the ground lightly and bounded off the trail, to a tree right nearby. The highest branch was somewhat above her head, but she leapt easily to grab it and pull herself up. Gage shook his head, setting his bags down. Maybe this was how his brother died...

She saw the two cats split up and leap. Her heart in her throat, but in fighting mode, she and Romeo split up to match them. As one cat crashed down on the fleeing girl, Sharana swept underneath the large cat using her short swords to block his reach for her and the cat's momentum to swing him on past. He landed on the ground, injured but still fully functional to fight. Sharana stood between the girl that the cat had almost crushed and the large beast. Her arms were numb from the force of his weight when she had blocked. However the cat had a gash that eventually could lead to death by blood lose if she could hold out without her partner.

Romeo had taken the other route. Aiming for between the girl and man, he had put himself parallel with the second large beast's projected path. Sweeping past the man and immediately swirling as the cat reached beside him, claws outstretched for the man, Romeo did a full tackle into the cat's side knocking both of them down in his charge. The snarling filled the forest as Romeo stood up, ears back and teeth bared. He was on one side and the man on the other of the large beast. Blood from scratches taken in the tumble glistened on his coat, but he ignored that.

Lola gasped. The cat was hurt, but big. Very big. And there was Sharana, the one that had left her and her uncle and her sister. Should she stay where she was? She could help... But Sharana hadn't helped either of them. She'd gone off and left them to die. Maybe she wanted that. Maybe she thought she'd just get rid of them and go back home and act like nothing happened. But Lola wasn't like that. At least she cared. Lifting her dress, she pulled her whittling knife from its sheath. It was sharp---it had to be to slice smoothly through very hard wood. As the big cat paced underneath her, Lola dropped down onto its back, grabbing a fistful of fur as it raised onto its back in an imitation of a bucking horse. But it left its neck exposed, and Lola brought herself forward, jamming the knife into its neck and twisting, bringing it back to herself and cutting its furious roar.

She dropped down as it stumbled, silent now, trailing a stream of blood until it collapsed. Gasping, she turned to her uncle.

Gage was behind the cat. It was glaring at the horse now as it flexed its claws, ready to pounce. “Hey you! Geh! Cat, here cat!” He jumped, flailing the hand that had no knife. The cat twitched, turning on him and pulling its lips back from its teeth. Spinning around, it leapt onto Gage, pressing him down into the soft ground as he pushed back on its chest. “GAGE!” Lola's small voice gained tone as she became terrified---she could see it happening again, her father's death, attacked so quickly he hadn't seen it coming. But Gage had seen it coming. He maneuvered his dagger and thrust it up, into the cat's chest. It screamed harshly, but did little more as the dagger's tip pierced the animal's heart and killed it almost immediately. Lola bounded forward, pushing the heavy animal off her uncle. “You're okay?” She asked in a frail tone; her legs were weak as Gage pushed himself onto his knees.

“Of course I am.” He assured her, pulling the girl into a hug. “I'm amazed at you, Lola. You're a strong girl, you know?” He smiled as she nodded lightly, hiding her face.

The ensuring silence throughout the forest was loud to Sharana's ears. Both cats dead. More likely to come now that dusk was settling across the land. Still, she didn't care to stick around to face their wrath. The way Gage held the girl answered the last of her doubts as to his intentions. Romeo saw her tilt of the head and trotted over to her. His footsteps short to make up for the slick moss-covered ground. She reached for the saddle, and made a momentary mental not to oil it at the next place her people lived, then pulled herself up into it. They were safe for now. She would take up flank guard once she disappeared from them. At least that was her intentions. No sense sticking around for small talk.

Gage stood as the girl began to vanish through the trees. "Do well to leave us be! If we're to die here then so be it, but we'll not be followed to that point!" Lola glared around Gage's leg to where she knew Sharana was. It wasn't a searching glance, but a stony, honest one that said more than she could herself. Then she took out the flute she'd been given, and threw it into the bush.

"Gage... where are we sleeping tonight?" Lola asked as she dusted her hands. "It's dangerous here."

"Yes it is, Lola." Gage patted her and stepped forward, grabbing his bag and pulling out a thick cover. "But I know these trees are quite flat at the top of their base trunk, and I can make a nest up there. Stay right here and if you see anything, tell me---don't go looking for it." Lola nodded as Gage grabbed onto the lowest branch of a very large, nearby tree whose branches spread out from their trunk. It would make a safe enough place to sleep, perhaps not terribly comfortable, but it was something.

Out of sight in the thick brush and branches, Sharana turned back and looked at the now hidden figures of her two charges. "As surely as I am alive, you two will not die as long as I breathe," she whispered. They lost one member of their family because of her. Sharana was determined not to let another go. It was a relief to know that the man himself was not part of the rebellion the others had been planning. If he was, she would have let both him and the little girl die. Waiting while they worked to settle in for the night, she made a mental note of where the flute had been thrown. She would retrieve it later. For now, she had work to do.

Together, Romeo and herself worked their way around the camp. Taking their time to figure out which animals frequently crossed the area and what predators seemed to be the most likely to appear here. The cats were down. That left more territory for others to move into. From what she could tell, the dire wolves would be a problem now that the sun was set. It was an easy matter to set up vine traps on all the small animal trails leading towards her two charges and where they were camping. That would keep the first in each lead party from joining the fight as well as alert all humans in the area they were coming. From there, she moved further away to let Romeo graze on what greens he deemed worthy of his stomach. She herself would make do with the ferns and grumbs. Salad with protein.

It was difficult work, but Gage managed it. He tied, first, the heaviest blanket’s corners onto very sturdy branches and used leaves, grass, and softer twigs to pad the bottom before setting a thinner one on top of it. Using a few scraps, he formed a slight canopy above them in case a flying animal decided to take interest in the treetops, and to save them from bothersome condensation falling on them from higher branches. He used sturdier, straight sticks for the canopy, then hung the bags high above the ground to avoid animals or anyone who managed to make it this far to get into them.

Lola stared at the brush where she’d thrown the flute a while ago. It was tempting to go back to get it, but it was also a bad idea to wander far. And she didn’t want it to be a reminder of the person dancing just out of their reach. Just far enough so they didn’t quite want to waste energy trying to catch up, but didn’t want to stall too long to force her to stumble upon them as well. She didn’t want that flute no matter how well-crafted it was. There would be wonderfully-made instruments in the city when she got there. She’d learn them all. She’d make Gage, and Marin, and her parents, proud that way.

“Lola?” Gage leaned out of the tree and caught sight of her staring into the brush. “Come on up, it’s safe.” Lending a hand, Gage pulled Lola up into the safe haven above the ground and closed off the gap in the tree with a few broken branches. It’d be a somewhat uncomfortable night, but a safe one nonetheless.

Seeing them safe up off the ground was a small relief to her. Sharana turned and looked back at the brush where the flute was. Sighing, she slipped quietly through and crouched there in the undergrowth. Finding the flute, she looked at it undecided. The girl should have it. Sharana could always get another. Among her people, music was valued. An outsider wouldn't get another. She would just keep retrieving it and keep returning it as long as the girl kept throwing it out. If it was broken, she would fix it and return. Her penitence for the death of the elder sister. Reaching down and brushing her fingertips along it's smooth surface, she picked it up and stood. Walking silently to their hiding place, she leaned up slowly and gently placed it by the entrance. Sliding back into the shadows, Sharana turned to look for a place to take up guard duty.

Howls fired the night. Direwolves challenged the evening and were answered by their smaller counterparts. The counterparts were closer, but should the direwolves choose to hunt this way then the smaller wolves would give them the ground. A trap snapped up nearby. Pulling her swords, Sharana leaped nimbly down the path were a pack member was caught. Slashing his throat, she heard her horse take down another one nearby. Then the little wolves were there fighting both for food and for revenge. With a whirl of her gleaming blades, she met them silently. Letting their dying howls fill the air as they met their end one by one.

The sound was bothersome. From time to time Gage glanced to his left or right, depending on which side the growls and cries of direwolves came from, and kept his dagger out just in case something were to happen. He could have sworn he heard something below the tree not long ago, but decided against inspecting. Whatever it was had gone, and Lola was safe beside him, asleep. Her small body seemed so fragile---it felt almost impossible that she could handle herself in not one, but two fights against big cats much, much larger than her. She had killed two. One with her bare hands. Gage looked down to his niece and shook his head. She twitched slightly, but didn’t wake.

Lola was there again. Her footsteps were soft, bare feet digging slightly into the soft, warm earth under cast shadows of massive trees. This pathway somehow managed to be spared from the onslaught of nature’s powerful hand, remaining smooth and wide even as giant’s trees grew in wall formations. It seemed so safe, with the trees watching and the daylight shining through their wide, heavy leaves. Lola had felt safe, even straying back from her father’s cart. She had kept up, until he had been attacked. They had spotted her as well. They had caught her, but she hadn’t tried to run.

When she opened her eyes, they were damp. Wiping them quickly, she turned and sat up, looking around at Gage. He had fallen asleep, dagger held loosely in his hand. Looking around, she couldn’t quite see the sky or anything outside---the leaves outside the small canopy were too thick. Listening, she heard nothing but somewhat distant chirping and slight rustling that moved the leaves, indicating a breeze. Bending over Gage, she slipped his knife out of his hand and slid forward, out of the safe haven and onto the ground. It was daylight, but the sky was just beginning to show signs of lighting up. The chirping came from birds beginning to wake, and as she looked around, something fell beside her. Glancing around, Lola found the flute she’d thrown. Right back with her. Gritting her teeth, she picked it up and took the knife to it, hacking away at it a little at a time, sawing it into small chunks and scattering it. “I don’t need it. We don’t need you around...” She growled through gritted teeth, and shook away hot tears before stretching her legs around the tree’s base.

Worn and tired from the fighting the night before, Sharana mounted up on Romeo and they edged away from the hideout in the dawn light. These woods were just not safe for those who were not trained to be in them. Not even her own people traveled them or the mountains without guides and warriors who had trained in them first. Now she stood looking at the paths leading from the hide out and grimacing. Death always attracted more hunters. Their killing of the wolves last night had attracted direwolves. Yet she was pretty sure in the blur of battle, that all those dead in the wide circle around them had not been caused by her blades nor Romeo's hooves and teeth. Shadows retreating into the trees only confirmed that.

Turning, horse and rider wearily rode after the shadows. The morning birds hesitant chirps began filling the trees above. Reaching a small clearing, Sharana went to greet the small warrior party that waited for her there. A group of five, they were warriors trained and scarred by the mountains they served in. The leader commented wryly, "You protect but do not guide them? Who are they and why are you serving in this way?" She grimaced, "They were part of a group I led earlier. The rest in the group had been traitors, intent on infiltrating our land. They were innocent, but one of their group died before I learned this. So now I protect from a distance." He shook his head, "At least they least these cursed woods and enter the hills today. As long as they stay to the main paths, they will not meet with problems at the center of the valley." She nodded and looked back towards the hideout in concern. They could not go into the center. It was forbidden.

Lola knew it was in her best interest to stay as near the tree as possible. But her curiosity was far too great. She had to explore a bit, even if it meant wandering too far. She had a good sense of direction---when her father had been killed, she’d been taken far from the path. She’d been dealt unspeakable horror before being released. Her logical side knew she should have told Gage about it, but logic had been taken out of the question entirely when she was confronted with just how terrified he’d been. And talking to Marin was impossible---she had never truly listened to much Lola said, especially after she had gone so training-crazy.

She smoothed her dress down a bit as she stepped into a ring that was free of trees and brush. Here was a small puddle of a pond, clear and obviously fresh. Stepping lightly on stunted grass, she went to the edge, clambering onto a rough rock that jutted over the water slightly, and knelt down. The breeze rippled the water, as there didn’t seem to be any marine life beneath the gentle wave. She studied her reflection, her own blue eyes. They were somewhat shadowed, but then again, they always were. With a light sigh, Lola pulled a band from around her wrist and gathered up her hair, twisting it into a messy ponytail to keep it out of her face before bending down to the water and letting her hands fall into it.

The water was cold and woke her with a start as she splashed it onto her face. The strengthening mists would quickly become somewhat uncomfortable as the sun rose, though, and she decided to appreciate the cool bite to the breeze while she could. A moment of silence passed while she stared at herself again, and a sudden shift behind her made Lola snap around. Only a shadow could be seen, however, and it vanished as soon as she laid eye on it. Not Gage. She didn’t want to harm anything else... She’d hurt plenty already, and didn’t want to do it again. Standing, she stretched and started back toward the tree.

The woods thinned out as Sharana carefully maneuvered Romeo through the undergrowth. Her cover was all but blown. Still, at this point, she really didn't care. Seeing the shaved pieces of the flute had hit harder that she thought it would. Still, death was a serious matter. It was now her lot in life to take whatever rebukes the girl and Gage chose to dish out to her. Picking up several small branches that would each do, Sharan settled back in the saddle with one of them in hand and began whittling away. If she had to make a new one every single day for the rest of this trip, then that would just have to be her punishment. Letting Romeo take free rein as they past the last tree, they headed out into the rolling hills. The refreshing breeze after the damp and humid forest a very obvious relief.

Leaving the warrior group behind to fend off any lagging beasts had been a blessing. Sharana could feel herself tiring rapidly now after going two nights with little sleep and almost 48 hours without much more than dried meat to chew on. Romeo was grazing happily since he didn't need a bit like the horses of the outsiders did. He would bite off a large mouthful of grass and then raise his head back up to keep a wary eye alert while he chewed. She wanted badly to do something similar. Instead she focused her tanned and rough hands on the task before her. Making another flute like those of her people. Hers would not be as good as those made in the villages, however it would still be exceptional.

Looking back over her right shoulder, she could see where the main path left the forest and turned into a more traveled road. It was packed dirt that would turn to pebbles in a few miles. She was about a quarter mile away. Plenty of space to make sure they stayed safe. Not that there was any danger here. The wild animals were in the forests and mountains. The hills and settlements scattered throughout would easily be within reach if Gage and the girl experienced any problems. She looked up at the cloudy sky. A storm was brewing with possibly sleet. They better get themselves moving and into a settlement if they didn't want to get soaked. Going from snow to tropical was already a big jump. So add storms to that just didn't seem smart healthwise. She didn't want to intervene, but she would if it meant keeping them from getting sick. Romeo could easily carry the two of them. She would just run along side. Or that wouldn't be necessary. Surely it wouldn't. She forced herself to keep calm and trust that Gage would have the common sense to move faster once he got clear of the trees and saw the sky for himself.

Gage slipped out of the tree as Lola returned to the site, and the slight worry creasing his face turned to relief. “Lola, I was wondering where you’d gotten to. It was so quiet.” He smiled at her movement, looking down in silent apology. “No worries though. You’re just fine and that’s what matters.” He pulled the blankets from the trees in a large lump, setting it on the ground as he did and digging around. “I had a feeling it’d be a difficult run for us, Lola. I just... thought it’d be a bit easier with one more...” He paused, recalling Marin and trying not to think about the brutal manner of her death. “... Regardless, I decided to bring something special.” He smiled when he found it, a bag he’d made sure to keep at the bottom of his largest pack to keep it safe.

Lola studied it as Gage untied the top. “What... is it?” She asked, and as the breeze, which seemed to be a little heavier, came to her, she could smell something that couldn’t be called sweet or savory.

“It’s a liquid substitute for long trips.” Gage pulled a couple soft skins from the bag. “It’s healthy since it contains a mixture of fruit and vegetable juices, and very good to keep your strength up on long journeys. I’d decided to make quite a bit before leaving home, and I guess that was a good idea on my part.” He handed one of the skins to Lola, who untied its top and sniffed deeply. It was more sweet than savory in its scent now, despite having both fruits and vegetables. She pushed a bit into her mouth, however, and tasted only fruits she especially loved, blueberries and raspberries among them. She quickly finished half before Gage took it away. “Not too much at once.” He warned. When Lola nodded, he packed everything else away and kept one of the skins out for him to share with her as they went along. Already, as Lola wandered the immediate area, she could feel herself stronger and more awake. Gage put a hand on her shoulder, keeping her in front as they returned to the nearby path and started on.

“I smell a storm.” Gage said to Lola as they walked. She nodded slowly, having already felt the humidity in the air grow even more potent. “Better kick up the pace, Lola, but don’t go too quick.” They started a little faster, disregarding the sense that someone could be watching them. With Sharana tailing them every step of the way, Gage was sure she was.

Seeing the two travelers leave the trees and enter the plains, Sharana smiled. Good, they were up and going. Looking up at the sky, she watched calmly as the clouds started to darken. The wind was also picking up. Turning, she and Romeo started walking parallel with the two travelers. They paused often since Romeo walked faster than the humans did. Still, it felt like they weren't going fast enough. She was getting impatient. The gray clouds were building and building. It was an awesome spectacle that normally Sharana would have enjoyed. Her fur and leather kept the wind that was getting stronger from chilling her. Still, if it rained, even she would be soaked and cold. Looking over towards the two on the road as a hill came between them, Sharana sighed. She couldn't put it off anymore.

Jumping into a gallop, they raced ahead and angled around to veer towards the road. As the hill on her right side began to slim back down, the road came into view. As soon as she caught sight of the two, she let Romeo slip down into a canter. Racing down onto the road, she pulled to a stop a few yards from there. Suddenly she faced the two and couldn't think of anything but the guilt she felt. Pushing it aside and masking her face of emotion, she suggested, "There is a storm about to break. You two take my horse and get ahead to the next settlement. If you don't, another girl will die today." She didn't think she needed to point out a child getting soaked in cold rain was bad for health. Still, pushing that thought at them so soon while they were grieving was a sure way to get the strong reaction she felt she deserved. Dismounting, she wondered if Gage would hit her. Just in case, she dismounted on the wrong side so that she would be between them and Romeo. Didn't need Romeo playing hero.

When they were cut off, Gage put a protective arm around Lola. He was getting sick of this twisted kind of watchfulness. Sharana must have thought it was putting them at ease, or she just didn’t care to understand the frustration Lola no doubt also felt. When she dismounted Gage felt his hands clench into fists, but otherwise not move. He gritted his teeth---apparently Sharana didn’t want her own emotions on display. It seemed to him to be a sign of weakness. When one couldn’t bear to show what they felt, they were too insecure for his liking. “You don’t need to remind me.” He spat, stepping around Sharana and bringing Lola with him.

Gage grabbed the saddlehorn and pulled himself up onto the broad horse’s back. Lola grabbed his hand when offered, and he pulled her up in front of him. As she situated herself, Gage turned to look down at Sharana, then up toward where they had originally come from. “I desperately regret having been so hasty in my decisions...” His decisions to come here at such a time. His decisions to grab onto whatever guide he could. It had been a death sentence for one of his girls, and he’d be damned if Lola would meet the same fate. Hell itself would never see a battle so deadly.

He turned the horse around---at first Gage doubted it’d listen to him, but Lola had always had a strange, eerie way with animals. Perhaps this one sensed that. Either way, Gage had more pressing matters on his mind---getting to the next settlement and keeping Lola safe and dry. Thunder was already rolling almost right above their heads.

Watching them leave, Sharana let the stinging words dig in deeper. Of course at this rate, it would almost have been better if she had let them all die. There were only outsiders. Still, there was nothing to be done about that now. When she protected them in the forest, she had sealed her own fate to continue watching out for them. Eager for more nourishing a meal as well as being reunited with her horse, Sharana pulled the fur part of her attire up to provide a semblance of protection for her ears. Then thus stuck on foot, she began walking.

That walking though swiftly turned to a trot. She would jog for awhile and then switch into a fast walk. Back and forth until the settlement finally came into view. It would have to do. Of course her horse and his companions were long out of sight. Most likely they had found a family willing to house them for the night. There was no way her people would force strangers to stay unaccompanied in a guest house. But then again, just because her home town didn't didn't mean that another wouldn't too. She shrugged that thought away and sprinted the last stretch, urged on by the stinging drops of water that began to hit her face.