The large town of Kenaderon was moving as usual despite their newest visitor. Well, she definitely wasn't a visitor, since she used to live here, but rather a returning exile. Keru knew that, as the hood of her jacket protected her head from the cooler temperatures and being identified. The town was close to the mountains of the captured nation of Suruthum, about a few dozen miles away from their border, as on a clear day one could see the formation of the mountain ranges. That was of little concern, however, as the downtown sector was packed with people heading to work or the occasional soldier.
The last few weeks had been somewhat uneventful, as the woman took her time returning to her hometown. She couldn't have known what would have happened after several months of being detained and in prison, but there was little change. The main one was the lack of troops, as most of them were either fighting in the overseas war, or the "forbidden" zone, which she connected the dots to something revolving around Jamal. That was where Lero was going, with the thoughts making her somewhat depressed.
"Excuse me, can I interest you in our latest products?' a street vendor called towards her as she was passing.
"Oh no, I'm fine." Keru waved off, as she was quick to turn right on the next street.
A short walk away, and the sight of businesses changed to a more residence environment, as the tall buildings were replaced with fences a little past her head. This was the place she remembered, as a small brick home with a much smaller metal fence right by this street's intersection. A small gate was the only thing keeping her out, to which she opened without hesitation. Leading towards the home's front door, she almost shuttered in thoughts, as the crunch of the gravel trail forced her to remember why she came back.
Those memories faded away rather quickly, as the door was mere inches away from her face, and she had already made up her mind. Raising her hand, Keru knocked against the surface about four times, before taking a few steps back. She couldn't have expected anyway to be home, but a slight creak proved that point wrong.
"Can I help you?" a young woman's feminine voice spoke through in a harsh-like tone.
"Wait?" Keru had a hint of recognition from the pitch alone, "Mesura?"
"How do you-, hold on, Keru?" the woman finally took a look past the hood, as Keru pulled it back a bit. "I thought, I thought you were locked away."
"Sister, I've been released. Can I come inside, please? It's been a long walk." a quick look at her disheveled appearance made that statement true.
Not even having to respond, Mesura opened the door wider as Keru hobbled inside. The place still looked the same, as the woman took her dirty shoes off. The decor was as it always was since she was a kid, paintings of the Saputan environment or the littered houseplants about the one-story house.
"Mesura, who was that?" an older voice spoke from the end of the home, as the incoming steps became louder, "Who's-, wait, is that-"
Keru and Mesura turned to see an older woman with strands of grey hair holding tight to some kitchen gloves.
"K-, Ke-, Keru? My baby girl?" the woman shed a tear with happiness.
"Hey, Mom." she gave a quick wave, before they embraced each other tightly. "I'm so sorry. I'm sorry for everything."
"Now, now. I was never mad at you, but your father on the other hand." the woman pulled back to wipe her tears. "I don't know what he would think if he was only here."
"What do you mean?" Keru looked around the space, to not see the man in sight.
"He's, he's fighting right now."
"What do you mean? Did something happen?" Keru turned to look towards Mesura.
"He got conscripted for the overseas war. The Great War Of Worlds, as they're calling it. Our father didn't refuse the opportunity, saying it was for the "good of our nation" and all that. I couldn't stop him."
Keru could only process what was said before nodding in understanding. He made up his mind to fight for Youden instead of questioning what the reality was. But she held to resentment for him. None at all, for he was able to think for himself. If only Lero was here, would she truly be happy? Keru knew the truth to that question. That man had made her darkest nights remain bright, but that pitch-black reality was quickly returning without him. She would have to do without him for as long as possible and stay a bit low until things really cooled down. Because no matter what, would she never return back to that place of despair ever again.