The dawn broke over Lornwood, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, a promise of new beginnings. Emily awoke to the sounds of birds chirping and the distant chatter of her companions already stirring. She took a moment to breathe in the crisp morning air, feeling the weight of yesterday's discussions linger but also transform into something tangible—a determination to move forward.
As she rose from her makeshift bedding, she spotted Aiden already at work, his silhouette framed against the soft light. He was sorting through tools they had salvaged from the ruins, his brow furrowed in concentration. Emily approached, curiosity piqued.
"Good morning," she called out, her voice still thick with sleep.
"Morning!" Aiden replied, glancing up with a smile. "I figured we should start organizing our resources. If we want to make any progress, we'll need to know what we have to work with."
