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The next morning is full of activity. The camp was in bad shape before they'd arrived but after the battle with the titanic centipede it was in ruins. The huts are a shamble of sticks, everything left in or around them have been scattered and broken. The stones outlining the fire pits need to be regathered, and bits of clay pottery are everywhere.

Lyca rubs the back of her head, seeing the mess in the new day's light and grumbles, "We are gonna be busy today."

At least breakfast is easy. The fire has become a pile of glowing embers, but is quickly revitalized and more centipede on a stick is served. After, Alice goes with Lyca to fetch water, she filling her and her friend's waterskins, while Lyca fills a few relatively intact clay jugs. Looking over at the wolf girl while dunking two skins, Alice can't help but admire her. They are of a similar height, age, and not so dissimilar species, which makes it hard for the young fox not to make comparisons with herself.

Lyca is so strong, leading her group, not following as Alice had gotten into the habit of doing. And her bravery when she charged the centipede, it inspired Alice, giving her the courage to stand and fight too. She finds herself staring at the Lobovan, wondering what it was that the wolf girl had that she didn't. Lyca catches her watching but Alice doesn't look away, noticing for the first time how green her eyes are. They share a smile before getting back to their tasks.

The pond is nice, large with calm waters, surrounded heavily with trees and topped with a cool mist. The shore slopes a bit, making Alice think it used to be deeper, but it should serve the forest dwellers for a good while yet.

"So, how long you guys plannin' to be in the forest?" Lyca asks casually, focused on her work.

Alice looks to her, lifting an eyebrow, "Tired of us already?"

"No, I'm, just curious. The little magic one said you were just passin' through," says Lyca, finishing her third jug and heading back the way they'd come.

"Twinkaleni, and that was the plan. We can't stay anywhere long."

Lyca purses her lips as if thinking to ask why but then grins, "Well, I hope you can stick around for at least a little bit more."

As she passes behind Alice, she bumps the fox girl's back with her rump, nearly knocking the Tokala into the pond. Alice catches herself, one hand slapping the water, and turns to see the Lobovan saunter away, tail wagging. Alice quickly fills her last skin before chasing after her, eager for revenge.

She catches up to the wolf, and slows, walking beside and just a little behind. She then nonchalantly dumps one of the waterskins over the other girl's neck and down her back. Lyca's mouth and eyes open wide as she stiffens, the cold water soaking her fur. Alice laughs and dashes around her back to camp, waterskins sloshing around her neck and shoulders.

Lyca tries to follow but, with her full jugs, she can only manage a wobbly waddle and calls after her, "Oh, you are so gonna get it, Red!"

When Alice bursts back into camp, she gets the attention of a few of the others, particularly Nesu, who runs up to her asking, "Lyca?"

The small mouse boy had still been sleeping when the pair left on their errand and is clearly distressed by her absence.

"She's comin'," assures Alice, pointing behind her.

Nesu looks to find the Lobovan hobbling after Alice, her legs dripping from where she spilled water all over herself trying to catch up. The young Murin runs to her, complaining about her leaving without him and she tries to console the boy, saying it was only a few minutes. Safe from retribution for now, Alice joins Danahlia and Twinkaleni, handing them their water. The three had agreed to scout a perimeter around the camp to dispose of any lingering floating puffballs and search for more fungi for the healing tea, leaving the forest dwellers free to straighten out their home.

As they set out, Twinkaleni asks how Alice is feeling and if she is suffering from any ill effects after being exposed to the puffball spores. Alice honestly replies that she isn't. The Tokala hadn't thought about it until now, but the subtle dry itch in the back of her throat hadn't bothered her all morning.

"The tea must be working," says Alice, happy to know the others afflicted should be on the mend too.

Twinkaleni nods, "That is good to hear. With that dealt with, perhaps we should consider parting ways with our new friends soon."

"Already?" wonders Danahlia, waving a burning stick around to make after images in the air.

"Yes of course, the sooner the better. Let's not forget we are being pursued. Every day we spend in their company we put them in danger," the Murin mage reminds.

Alice raises an eyebrow, "You mean from that guy from the Order? Why would he do anything to hurt them?"

"I don't know, but why risk it? Perhaps they try to rob this individual as they did us and he takes offense," Twinkaleni explains.

Danahlia waves a negligent hand, "Psh, that guy's probably still in the pixie's forest. I bet Shae and Tally are givin' 'im all kinds o' trouble," then she smirks, "Besides, do you really wanna leave Philip?"

"W-What? Why would he have any part in this decision?" Twinkaleni demands.

"Uh-huh, I saw the way you were checkin' him out on the way here. And hey, I don't blame ya," Danahlia grins, staring skyward as if reminiscing.

Twinkaleni's mouth bounces between a smile and a grimace but then looks away, folding her arms over her tiny chest to grumble, "Absurd," then more calmly states, "He does possess some, admirable qualities."

"Yeah, like being tall, dark, and handsome, I sure noticed," Alice admits, sharing a laugh with Danahlia.

"He_is_ rather attractive," Twinkaleni mumbles, unable to help grinning.

"Ha! I knew it!" Danahlia exclaims gleefully.

Twinkaleni sighs, looking down at her feet.

After a few more popped and burned fungi, the girls discuss leaving the forest dwellers and heading on through the rest of the forest. They were fairly well stocked and knew a bit more about this particular wood, which gives them the confidence to believe they would run into little they couldn't handle. Alice doesn't particularly want to leave so soon after making new friends, but also doesn't want to part with the duo that she's shared so much with already. They eventually agree to wait until the sick, at least, were settled in before continuing on.

While making a wide ring around the forest dweller camp, Alice picks up on a familiar scent. Following her nose, she leads her friends to another of the amphora plants and its delightful nectar. Eager for them to taste it, she prepares to pierce the melon like portion with her sword and drain it into a waterskin as Lyca and Nesu had.

"We can drink this?" Danahlia asks, looking into the green, oblong bulb of the plant.

"It smells, lovely," says Twinkaleni, tiny, pink nose sniffing ever closer to the opening in the top.

"Yeah, just don't touch it," warns Alice, lining up the tip of her sword to punch a hole low on the plant.

Danahlia hooks a finger on the lip of the opening to get a better look inside and asks, "Why?"

Immediately, a thick leaf atop the plant falls over the bulb's opening. Curled hairs on the edges of the leaf interlock with the matching set on the bulb's lip, trapping Danahlia's finger.

It being a mere plant, Danahlia easily pulls her finger free and asks, "What's it doin'?"

Alice hadn't seen this reaction before and watches for any more movement.

"Mm, perhaps this is why you were not meant to touch it," chides Twinkaleni.

"How was I supposed to... ugh, uh! What is that?!" Danahlia exclaims as the sweet, fruity, alluring, scent of nectar turns into the horrid, strangely warm, smell of something left rotting in the sun.

Curious about the juice, Alice lifts up the fuzzy leaf covering the bulb to see the inside of it looks to be sweating a milky white liquid that has begun dripping into the nectar. Now opened, the smell quadruples and they all recoil from it, taking several steps back.

"Ugh, I told you not to touch it," Alice complains as they quickly move on.

Twinkaleni rebukes the Liguna too, even as Danahlia argues the innocence of her ignorance.

The trio spends much of the day eradicating more puffballs and foraging. They even manage to collect a bit more of the immature fungi for the healing tea. Arriving back at the camp late in the evening, they find many of the sick children have made the trip, the fungus tea having helped rejuvenate many already. Not long after, Philip arrives with the last of those who needed help making the journey and they're all welcomed with water, food, and cheers. As he walks into camp, they notice he is carrying one of the smaller ones, a Leeseran, on his back. Once Philip places the young squirrel boy down, Lyca gives him a big hug and a kiss on the cheek.

The girls look on, Alice feeling just a hint of jealousy at the display when she hears Twinkaleni sigh at her side, "I suppose we should wait until morning, start fresh with the day."

"Should we tell 'em we're leavin'?" Alice wonders, looking around to see how happy the forest dwellers are to be back and have their friends on the mend.

"Let's hold off 'til tomorrow. No sense in spoilin' the homecomin' party," says Danahlia, a stick of centipede in each hand.

The uncommon abundance of food lets everyone eat without restraint. The fires are kept high while stories of adventures, including the heroic and highly embellished tale of the evil king centipede's fall, are enjoyed well into the night. And for the first time in a long while, Alice sleeps very soundly.

The next morning after breakfast, Alice, Danahlia, and Twinkaleni pack their things, preparing to depart. Lyca appears from the cave with a bow in each hand and a quiver of arrows on her back just as they're putting on their backpacks. She cocks her head to one side and asks, "Where're you guys goin'?"

"Figure your gang's in a good spot now, 'bout time we headed off," answers Danahlia, not meeting the Lobovan's questioning gaze.

"What? But I thought you were gonna stick around, at least for a little bit," she says mostly to Alice, her arms falling to her sides.

"Sorry, Lyca. It's better if we don't stay anywhere too long," says Alice.

Some of the other forest dwellers have over heard and stop what they're doing to listen.

"What's goin' on?" asks Philip, coming to stand beside Lyca and Nesu.

"They're leavin'," replies Lyca glumly, her ears drooping.

Hearing this, Nesu walks up to Twinkaleni and offers her the enchanted core stone he had been holding. Twinkaleni smiles, pushing it back towards him, and telling him to keep it safe for her. The slightly smaller Murin nods and gives her a hug.

"Well, if that's the case, I think we need to send our saviors off as they deserve," announces Philip to a general agreement.

The girls are then given all the food they can carry from Deliduss fruit and Saccha berries to various edible plants and mushrooms, until they simply can't carry anymore. Thanks, goodbyes, well-wishes, and hugs are exchanged, Twinkaleni lingering a bit when she gets her hug from Philip.

Lyca and Alice embrace for a moment, rubbing each others backs, and Alice is surprised to hear the slightest quaver in her voice when she says, "Take care o' yourself, Red."

"You too," she says back. They let each other go and Alice grins, raising an eyebrow, "Is that a tear?"

Lyca sniffs, lifting a finger to her eye, "No! It's just, something... shut up." The wolf girl turns away but then turns right back around, offering out the bow she had been holding, "You can have this. Might come in handy. We can make more so... you know."

Alice's grin widens as she takes it, and then gives the Lobovan another hug, rubbing her face into Lyca's, saying, "Thanks." Lyca's fur is soft, warm, and very pleasant.

"Hey, take it easy," Lyca complains lightly, embracing her back.

After a few more farewells the trio is on its own once more, traveling through the forest. Alice sighs, looking down at the bow in her hands. It's the one she had found in the cave, well made and strung tight.

Danahlia pats her on the shoulder, "I might miss some of 'em just a little bit too," she half smiles looking over to Twinkaleni, who walks grinning dreamily, "I know Twinkie will."

Alice smiles, glad to have had a chance to meet others like themselves, even if only for a little while.

The girls look at the map in an attempt to get their bearings. The forest dwellers had pointed out the direction that would get them to the other side of the forest quickest, but mentioned it would be a walk of several days none the less. Twinkaleni feels this is a good thing, getting more dense forest between them and their pursuer. She prattles on happily about how even if the agent sent by the Order of Thermathrogi had some sort of transport, such as a steed or wagon, a wild enough wood would force them to a slow pace. Alice had assumed the mage hunter would be walking as they were, figuring each step they take is one their pursuer would have to as well. It never occurred to her that they might actually be moving faster.

As they travel, the trio makes a point of popping any floating puffballs they come across. Being very well stocked on food now, there's no need to hunt and Alice figures the load sounds will help keep dangerous ferals away. The forest air is cool and moist, a thin fog ever lingering in all directions. Eventually, the group comes to the stream Philip had mentioned they would encounter. Danahlia checks the shore with her spear and finds that it's as shallow and slow as the Echanian had told them it would be.

Bogged down with all their provisions, their walk has been slow and it's already late in the afternoon. Tired, the girls decide to set up camp beside the stream and cross in the morning. Setting down their things, they make a fire using the burning stick they'd brought from the forest dweller camp and a few dryish twigs and leaves. Eating from their stores, they turn in early so they can start well rested tomorrow.

The next day, when the trio is having breakfast, something bursts from the trees, screeching, "YOU!"

A bipedal monster of some kind launches itself at Twinkaleni while she's filling a waterskin, tackling her into the stream with a splash. The little mouse squeaks and burbles in a panic as the creature attempts to drown her.

Danahlia cries out, "Twinkie!" racing to shoulder charge the thing off of the Murin.

The monster tumbles into the stream and Alice unsheathes her sword, rushing in to deliver a two handed overhead chop, only to stop herself. It's Lyca. As the wolf girl comes to a stop, she lies in the shallow stream making a strange sound, as if gasping for air, moaning in pain, and crying at the same time. Much of her fur on one side of her body is gone, exposing angry red skin patched with ruined brown and black flesh. The fur outlining her exposed skin looks to have been singed.

"Lyca?" Alice whispers, her sword dropping behind her, "What happened to you?"

The question enrages the girl and she tries to rise, snarling at Twinkaleni, "YOU! YOU BROUGHT HIM HERE! HE WAS LOOKIN' FOR YOU!"

Danahlia, unarmed, places herself between the Murin and Lobovan, her hands out and stance wide, "Whoa, calm down! Who?!"

Lyca collapses to her knees sobbing, "He was lookin' for you! It's your fault! It's your fault!"

Alice kneels in front of her, catching the battered girl in her arms and holding her as much to keep her from Twinkaleni as to console, "Lyca! What happened? Who did this?"

"He did. He got everybody! It's your fault!" she wails, flailing weakly toward the Murin mage.

Alice looks back to share a shocked look with the others.

"Who?!" Danahlia demands again.

"Everybody's dead! Everybody's... dead. It's your fault. Your fault," Lyca repeats her anger melting into grief as she slumps against Alice to cry.

"Philip? And Nesu?" Alice asks, shaking the Lobovan by the shoulders. Lyca just shakes her head, tears streaming from wide eyes that stare at nothing, her mind lost in some horrible memory.

"It must be the Order," Twinkaleni sputters, catching her breath, "It's found me at last."

"We, we gotta get outta here, come on," announces Danahlia, splashing to shore to gather their things.

"No, Danny. I can't run anymore. I can't let this happen to anyone else," says Twinkaleni, pointing to the badly burned wolf girl, "I will make my stand here. You and Alice should leave. Take Lyca somewhere safe, he only wants me."

"Are you nuts?! Look what he did?!" Danahlia shouts back, gesturing to Lyca, "We're leavin' and that's that!"

"Fire. Burned everybody," Lyca whimpers in Alice's arms.

Alice pets her, trying to avoid the burned flesh and ignoring the harsh smell. "I'm not going anywhere," she asserts.

Danahlia stamps her foot, swinging her arms in frustration, "Some guy is murderin' kids, with fire! What are we supposed to do against that?!"

"I doubt I can defeat him, but regardless, this ends here," Twinkaleni states stubbornly, moving to check on Lyca.

Danahlia growls, taking her backpack and spear in one hand before splashing loudly toward Twinkaleni. The Liguna picks the small girl up around the waist and begins crossing the stream. The Murin squirms, demanding to be let go, but Danahlia keeps her grip. About half way across, Twinkaleni bites Danahlia's arm and is dropped into the water with an angry shout. The stream is past waist deep on Danahlia, which is too deep for Twinkaleni and she has to start swimming back to shore.

As this is happening, Lyca suddenly starts muttering, "I left 'em. I left 'em," over and over, her nails gouging bloody lines along the sides of her face.

Alice tries to pull the Lobovan's hands away, shouting, "Lyca, stop! There was nothing you could do!"

But the wolf girl is so strong and her mind is too shattered to care.

Alice pries a few fingers away, crying, "Lyca! Stop! Please!"

Twinkaleni is by her side, shaking her head in grim disbelief before saying, "Let us get her to the opposite shore. I will hold the agent off for as long as I am able, you three should flee while you can."

Gathering their things, they try to cross the stream, Alice dragging an unresponsive Lyca until Twinkaleni can't reach the bottom anymore. She can't swim well with her heavy backpack, so Alice has to pull them both until Danahlia comes to help. Once they're across, Lyca is laid on the shore, the water having washed some of the blood away to reveal the damage she had done to herself.

Dropping her things, Twinkaleni shake dries off and begins asking the wolf girl, "What can you tell me about the man who did this?"

"Come on, guys, let's go," Danahlia pleas, picking up Twinkaleni's backpack.

The Murin shakes her head, "I already told you, I'm staying here."

"I'm not leavin' Lyca like this," asserts Alice, holding the girl's head in her lap and giving her some water, though it just dribbles over her lips.

Danahlia shouts, "Fine! Stay here and get burned alive! I'm outta here!" She stomps away a few yards only to shout her frustration and stomp back, "Come on! We gotta go now! That tick who did this could be here any minute!"

Twinkaleni ignores her and continues trying to get answers from Lyca. She only mumbles something about a red cloak, a golden eye in a triangle, and a glowing ring, before succumbing to fatigue and injury, passing out. The Murin mage sits, rubbing an ear between two fingers as she thinks.

"What're we gonna do?" Alice asks, looking nervously across the stream, expecting to see some terrible figure materialize from the trees.

"Alice, you and me carry Lyca, let's go," Danahlia orders, crouching to put one of the wolf girl's limp arms over her shoulder.

Twinkaleni nods, "I agree. You two need to go."

"You're comin' too, short stuff. Come on, on your feet," the Liguna commands, again reaching out for the Murin.

Twinkaleni pulls away, "No. I will hold him here for a time. If you two are gone before he arrives, he will have no means or reason to pursue you."

"I'm not leavin' you alone," Alice asserts, taking Lyca's other arm.

"You have no choice. I thank you both for coming so far with me, but this is where we must part," says the tiny mouse girl, standing to look defiantly across the shallow stream.

"Ticks! Come on, Alice, we gotta get Lyca outta here," growls Danahlia, pulling the unconscious girl.

"We can't leave Twinkaleni," protests Alice, hesitantly following suit.

"We aren't but we gotta get Lyca outta sight," she says, leading them to a thick tree to place the Lobovan behind before snarling back at the Murin, "You better have a plan for us, pint size."

She does.