Gwendolyn and Dorothy kept following Lilian through the dense forest. The path was narrow, with low-hanging branches brushing against them. The air felt cooler and damp, and the forest grew darker as they moved deeper in. Every now and then, they would hear strange rustling noises and the occasional snap of twigs underfoot. Despite their weariness, they stayed close together, keeping their eyes on Lilian's receding figure, hoping she would lead them to safety.
Suddenly, they came upon a clearing and were surprised to see a large stone cottage standing before them. The cottage had a thatched roof with a few patches of moss growing on it. Its walls were made of weathered gray stones, giving it a sturdy, ancient look. Smoke curled up from a chimney, hinting at a warm fire inside. Surrounding the cottage were a few flower beds with colorful blooms, and a small garden with vegetables. The place looked cozy and inviting, a stark contrast to the dark forest they had just left.
