Living in a village teeming with those who can at any moment pounce on you with torches and pitchforks, every day brings new "adventures". Especially because of nature, for which you can be publicly and mercilessly killed at any time.
Holding Furina's hand tightly, as she tried not to trip and roll over, Focalors skirted the uncomprehending villagers and the cattle that ran out of the enclosure. There was very little left to the end of the village when Furina took the initiative, running to the left, pulling the girl towards herself with all her strength so that this time Focalors almost fell.
They often visited their secret hut made of spruce branches and other foliage, arranged between several young trees very close to the village.
Focalors suggested moving the refuge deeper into the forest, but since the residents did not dare to visit the hut, there was no need to move it.
"Looks like we got away..."
Furina said triumphantly, breathing heavily after a long run. She fell to her knees immediately after entering the shelter and thus drew the attention of Focalors.
"Did they hurt you? Did they get any poison on you? Show yourself, I'll take a look".
Sitting down on the soft grass, the older one began to examine her friend, grabbing her cheeks and carefully turning the girl's head to check for any burns or other wounds. Then attention moved to a large open area of the back, starting from the shoulder blades.
"Turn your back." Focalors valued Furina very much and checked her health condition after her solo grocery shopping every time, since the girl liked to hide her wounds.
After examining the desired area and running her fingers over it, checking if Furina was in pain, Focalors smiled with satisfaction and stepped back.
"Furina, please call me next time you go to the market or other crowded places. You know it's dangerous to go alone, especially when there's so much suspicion on you".
Furina, who was concentrating on restoring some fallen branches that gave volume to the roof, nodded, mostly not listening to the words. Having finished shoving the branch back into its original place, causing several needles to fall from the others, Furina leaned back tiredly against the side of her friend who was sitting there.
"I was caught several times, I know everything, she looked at the worried expression on the girl's face, which after what was said changed to a more stern one."
"Furina, I'm serious. I'll be following you around like a little dog from tomorrow."
Furina spoke carefully, more quietly:
"Just don't get caught like me. I almost got drowned last time. They tied me loosely, so I was able to escape".
"I won't abandon you. If we die, it will only be together", Focalors pressed her lips to the top of the girl'sh ead and caused a weak smile.