light

 We gathered our things and prepared to leave. As we stepped out of the cabin, I took one last look around, ensuring we weren't being followed. The forest remained still, the only sounds the rustling of leaves and the distant call of a bird.

The journey continued, each step taking us deeper into the unknown. The forest seemed to close in around us, the trees growing denser and the path more treacherous. Despite the fear and uncertainty, we pressed on, driven by the need to survive.

As the sun began to set, we found ourselves on the edge of a vast meadow. The tall grass swayed gently in the breeze, the golden light of the setting sun casting a warm glow over the landscape. It was a brief moment of beauty amidst the chaos, a reminder of the world beyond our struggle.

-We'll camp here for the night. I said, finding a sheltered spot near the edge of the meadow. "It's safer in the open where we can see any danger coming."

Lily and Ed nodded, their faces weary but determined. We set up our tent and it was a comfortable resting place for us. As darkness fell, we huddled together, the stars twinkling above us.

-We're going to make it. I whispered, more to myself than to them. "We'll find a way."

The night was long and restless, every sound a potential threat. But we took turns keeping watch, ensuring that we wouldn't be caught off guard. As the first light of dawn broke over the horizon, we packed up and prepared to move on.

Our journey took us through the meadow and back into the forest, the landscape changing around us. The path was steep and rocky, making our progress slow and difficult. But we pushed on, each step bringing us closer to our goal. We just need to continue down this path. We will find help soon.

Around midday, we came across a narrow path that seemed to lead further down the hills. It was well-trodden, a sign that it might lead to civilization. My heart leaped with hope as we followed it, the prospect of finding help driving us forward.

As we rounded a bend in the path, we saw smoke rising in the distance. The sight filled me with a mixture of hope and apprehension. Smoke meant people, and people could mean help—or danger.

-We need to be careful. I said, leading the way cautiously. "We don't know who or what we'll find."

The path led us to a small village nestled on the hills. The houses were simple and rustic, smoke rising from chimneys and the sounds of daily life filling the air. It was a peaceful scene, a stark contrast to the turmoil we had faced.

-Stay close. I whispered, keeping Lily and Ed close as we entered the village. "We need to find someone who can help us."

We approached the first house, a small, thatched-roof cottage. An elderly woman was tending to her garden, her hands deftly working the soil. She looked up as we approached, her eyes widening with surprise.

-Hello. I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "We need help. We're lost and we don't have any food.

The woman's expression softened, and she beckoned us closer. 

-Come in, come in," she said, her voice gentle. "You look like you've been through a lot."

We followed her inside, the warmth of the cottage a welcome relief from the chill of the forest. She motioned for us to sit at the table, then bustled about, preparing tea and bread.

-Tell me what happened. she said, setting the food before us. "Who are you running from?"

-Slavers. I replied, the word bitter on my tongue. "We've been on the run for days, trying to find a safe place.

 The woman's face grew grim. 

-Slavers have been a problem around here for some time," she said. "But you're safe now. This village is well-protected. We look out for each other and there are royal guard stations nearby .

Relief washed over me, the tension of the past days easing slightly. -Thank you," I said, my voice choking with emotion. "Thank you so much."

She smiled kindly. "You're welcome. Stay as long as you need. We'll make sure you're taken care of."

 We spent the next few days in the village, resting and recovering from our ordeal. The villagers were kind and welcoming, offering food and shelter without hesitation. It was a stark contrast to the fear and danger we had faced, a small haven in a world gone mad.

 As we settled into the rhythm of village life, I couldn't help but feel a sense of safety. For the first time in a long while, I felt hopeful. We had found a place where we could be safe, where we could say for the time being.

 But the shadows of the past lingered, a reminder that the danger was never far away. The slavers were still out there, and we had to remain vigilant. The journey had changed us, forging a bond of survival and resilience.

-We'll be okay," I told Lily and Ed one evening as we sat by the fire. "We have each other, and we'll face whatever comes our way together."

They nodded, their eyes filled with trust and determination. We had come a long way, and there was still a long way to go. But we were stronger for it, ready to face the challenges of the future.

 But the memory of the slavers remained, a constant reminder of the world beyond the village. We couldn't let our guard down, couldn't forget the lessons we had learned.

"We have to stay strong," I said one evening as we sat together, watching the sunset. "We have to be ready for anything."

Lily and Ed nodded, their faces determined. We had found a place to call home for the moment, but we knew that the journey was far from over. The world was a dangerous place, and we had to be prepared for whatever came our way. And we need to leave soon too, we can't stay here forever.

 But for now, we had found a measure of peace, a place where we could rest and heal. We had each other, and that was enough. Together, we would face the future, whatever it might hold.

And as the sun set over the hills, casting a golden glow over the village, I felt a sense of hope. We had survived, and we would continue to survive. The journey had made us stronger, and together, we would find our way. I wonder what awaits us on our next journey.