Lia and the others left at first light after getting extra food and blankets wrapped up tight from the older woman Agnes. She gave each of them a hug, telling them that they were welcomed back any time they felt the need.
She asked of Lia to try and make a round to their small village every year or so. To help the dying pass on without pain, and to help the children stay healthy. She had agreed immediately. Lia looked back just once before they continued on the trail, the kids and the women were all still waiting but the men had gone back, guarding the forest entrances like they had been tasked with.
They walked on for a couple hours before stopping for lunch at the only spring water source. Agnes had drawn up a map, the one from memory. She told them it shouldn't take more than a day a
