When I made it to the river a tent was set up for all the young ones to sleep in. It was connected to a large tree and looked really out of place but it'll keep the night winds off them. Not bad. I've seen them put together by my brothers but I've never done it myself.
They were gathered around a fire not saying a word.
"Why are we so quiet?"
"Lyria!" All the young ones cheered.
"Did you all bathe yet?"
"Yes." They said in unison again.
"Good. I'll bathe too right quick. I brought us meat and I found some veggies as well."
"FOOD!" they screamed in excitement.
"It'll be ready in about an hour."
After cleaning myself up real quick, I went and found an area to get dinner ready.
Silver came over, "You know how to hunt and prepare the meat?"
"Yes. I watched my brothers and father many times. Then I was allowed to hunt small prey by myself and even learned to prepare them for a meal. I learned how to do a lot by myself but mostly only for myself or one other person. Sadly, some things require strength I don't have to get it done. Everything that's happened today has me so worn out that I'm afraid I won't be able to help with the night watch. I'm barely able to keep my eyes open now."
"What should we do then?"
"Pip can you help protect us at night?"
"(Of course mother, I'll set up a perimeter, but I'll need to use your energy to make it last all night.)"
"Silver, can you prepare a ride for me? I'm too exhausted and will need to rest a little longer tomorrow. I need you to watch out for the others till I wake up. Just keep heading in the same direction I'm sure we'll find a village somewhere."
Everyone ate to their hearts' content and slept blissfully. Pip connects to Lyria's wrist and both used their energy to protect the others throughout the night.
Silver slept by the fire conserving his energy as well for the long days ahead.
The next morning nothing could wake Lyria.
"Let's let her rest for a while she did a lot for us yesterday the least we can do is take care of ourselves for a little while." Silver spoke as he started handing out what was left from last night.
They worked together to pack up their things and head out.
Lyria finally woke up a couple of hours later when the sun was in the center of the sky.
"Mmm, it's too hot."
"Sorry, we thought we heard something so I didn't have time to make something to pull you on."
"Silver?" She was a little groggy at first but when she came to her senses, she noticed she was curled up in Silver's arm. She could feel the heat coming off him in waves. If it wasn't for the heat she would be enjoying herself greatly right now.
"You can let me down now Silver, I'm doing much better now."
Silver stops and lets her down carefully.
She looks around for Lily and spots her struggling to carry Sam. She ran over to them.
"Let me carry her for a bit."
"After everything you did for us. The least I can do is help out with Sam."
"That's very true, but I've been doing this since I was very young if you remember."
Lily gave in and passed Sam to Lyria.
"Aren't you hurt big sister," Sam spoke for the first time in a long time. This surprised both the older female.
"Yes, but I'm doing much better now. Resting helps the body restore energy so make sure you always get plenty of sleep." Lyria patted Sam's hand that was on her shoulder.
"Lyria can you teach me how to survive?" Lily asked. They had been walking together for a while now.
Lyria gave her a skeptical look. "Are you sure? I won't go easy on you."
"When you left to go hunt yesterday, Silver was the only one around doing anything. He set up the tent and fire, while we sat and did nothing but watch. You're going out of your way to help us so I want to help learn to survive as well. Please Lyria let me learn."
Another female, Nica I believe her name was, walked over. "Me too. I want to help as well."
Lyria took it upon herself to teach them what she could. Even the young ones were learning.