Slender legs had a mind of their own as they pumped harder. Labored breaths filled the eerie silence of the woods, frantic attempts to fill aching lungs with air as she raced the sun in order to reach home before it ascended high in the sky. Anxiety flooded her body.

Alyviah had formerly slinked out of the house to quench her curiosity by roaming around, but never straying this far away. It was as if she was under a trance that guided her to unknown grounds before finally snapping out of it. Perhaps, she'd regained focus a little bit too late.

However, deep down, Alyviah felt like she was meant to witness that, to be out there.

Her flushed face tingled from where the stranger had touched her, saving her life. The foolishness she'd exhibited almost endangered not only her but the others lurking in shadows of murky nights watching, sneaking, hiding. It was beyond suspicious. They could've been a possible danger to her. The army passing through might've been good people, which was something she doubted.

Yet, who knows. She certainly doesn't.

Her lack of knowledge and communication with humans was proving to be such a hindrance.

Her feet ached, dirt coating them up to taut calves for unsteady steps over scattered twigs and rocks caused her to stagger and hurt herself in the process. Alyviah never stopped running, however. The nervousness of what her parents' reaction could be numbed the pain.

It felt like an eternity when the house finally came into view. Everything in her body throbbed. Yet, that didn't stop a breathy laugh of relief to slip out as she neared it. The poor girl was on the brink of dropping unconscious.

Glad the sun was only starting to peek for winter-suns were the laziest, Alyviah crept inside stealthily. Reassured with her parents' snores, she collapsed on her bed. Cheeks rubbed against much welcomed softness, glad her father brought them some new fabric to cover the hay-stuffed mattresses with, instead of the usual animal skins.

Soon after, eyelids slowly fluttered shut and sleep overtook.

"Alyviah." She stirred slightly, mumbling illegibly. "Alyviah!" She jolted up, hands pressing to her face checking for something unbeknownst to her, before wiping off sticky trails of drool coating her cheek.

"Yes, mother!" Alyviah cleared a scratchy throat afore repeating her reply louder.

"Come help me with lunch, it's getting late." At her mother's request, she froze. Lunch?

A quiet curse was muttered as she shuffled around, changing and wiping her dirty legs with much vigor until her skin turned red. Alyviah couldn't help but think back to her mom's abnormal calmness, regretting falling asleep despite her inability to fight off such need. She didn't even remember dozing off, just that she was planning to lie down, trick her parents into thinking that she only awoke right that moment and then pretend like the previous night didn't transpire.

"Yes, mother." A late response. However, it was better than none. Her teeth ground against each other as she hid away the dirty clothes to wash them later then skipped to the kitchen, anxious about what was to come.

Nothing.

Nothing happened. Her father was out as usual, cutting in half the remaining logs outside. Her mother was busy peeling off potatoes. Alyviah decided not to say anything, washed her hands and headed straight to do her usual task: cutting the vegetables for the soup.

Perhaps, her punishment consisted of not having breakfast, which was cruel. Yet, Alyviah settled with being silent, obedient and hungry. So, when lunch was served, at last, her stomach celebrated in embarrassing noises that she tried to hide with forced coughs or by moving the chair she was sitting on. It was too quiet for her liking, too tense, too unnerving. However, she refrained from disturbing the silence.

A few bites into the meal, Davette finally stopped chewing, cleared her throat and spoke up. "Alyviah, your father and I have something to tell you." Their daughter's heart lurched, fingers wringing together under the table, her leg bouncing up and down ever since they sat down. Gnawing on her lips, her timid nod urged them to continue. "We decided that you were to join your father on his weekly trips to the village."

Alyviah gaped at them, jaw unhinged, eyes wide and unblinking. "What? Me?" She croaked.

"As long as you listen to what we say, respect the limits and not wander off, I believe there's no harm in you coming along." Her father elaborated before adding. "Besides, I could use some extra hands."

"Peter!" Davette chastised, telling him off about using his only child to help him carry goods for she was neither a mule nor a cart. However, Alyviah was too dazed, stunned, to pay attention.

"I am allowed to accompany you to where other humans are?" The parents stopped their bickering to stare at their pale daughter. Their careful nods were the confirmation she needed, realization flashing through her mind as their words finally registered and she scrambled to unsteady legs. "Ah, at last!"

Her joyous cries and cheers prompted amused smiles as they watched her prance around, content in making her happy. Her sneaky night journeys had to end. It was all for her safety and well-being. Alyviah was a fool to assume her mother didn't find out about the secret escapades. She'd always known but chose to keep her mouth shut until the previous night's events. Her girl was gone for too long.

Satisfied, but still wary, Davette ushered her kid to finish her meal.

It was a couple of days later when Alyviah smoothed down her brown dress, tapped her sandals on the ground and hoisted her bag higher on an erect back as they neared the town. It wasn't too far away, but also not close-by. The trail to the village wasn't an easy one to memorize. Yet, she made notes of each and every turn because it certainly was her first time but not her last.

She'll make sure of that.

Alyviah tried her best not to run all the way to their destination. Her need to prove to her skeptical parents that she was trustworthy, ready and able to abide by their rules outweighed the growing impatience and anticipation that consumed her.

Peter kept a close eye on his daughter, keeping his worry at bay and trying not to fret over her afraid that his pestering would result in the opposite of what his wife and he both wanted. They were to tread carefully.

The grin on her face only widened the closer they got. The sight of numerous houses filled her with nervousness, but also excitement. "Our agreement, Aly, remember it." The firmness of his words didn't ruin her mood or deter her, not even the slightest.

"Yes, father." She flashed him a toothy grin. "Worry not, I'm a good girl." Her cheekiness was contagious, small chuckles erupted as he shook his head.

Faint sounds of chatter, squeaky wooden wheels and horse neighs could be heard as they approached civilization. Her hold tightened, heart drumming faster, gaze darting around to take note of everything. There was a lot to take in, maybe even too much, which was to be expected.

However, Alyviah was beyond thrilled.

MEANING OF THE WORDS USED:

Kaius: pronounced Kai-us, is a name of Latin origin meaning "rejoice".

Peter: is a boy's name of Greek origin meaning "rock".

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