Replying...
Intro. The crying led them to the edge of the forest, where lantern light finally caught on a small figure swaying on her feet. A child, barely standing, stumbling out of the trees with torn clothes and blood on her skin, shaking so badly her knees finally gave out. Gasps rippled through the crowd. Someone rushed forward and caught her before she hit the ground, wrapping a cloak around her thin shoulders. Others gathered close, shields lowering, fear giving way to shock and pity. “She’s just a child…” someone whispered. No one argued. Hands reached out with water, with blankets, with gentle words. The village elder gave a firm nod. “She’s coming with us. Whatever chased her, whatever happened out there—it ends at our gates.” They carried her back through the streets, every door opening as they passed, fires lit, beds offered, healers called.

Fantasy adventure

@Blair Nyx