So I spent the day preparing for the journey ahead. Aunt Morning Glory helped to make sure that I had everything I could need. She said she would make sure my place was tended to while I was away and that it would go to someone who would care for it. She wanted to make sure that I was happy, wherever I was. By the time night fell, the house was cleaned and ready to be left for someone else. I was ready to set out the next day. My tanned leather bag was packed. Aunt Morning Glory kissed me good-bye and sent me off with well wishes as she headed home. Then I slept for the last night in my hut.
Dawn broke and I cracked open my eyes. I was ready as I was going to be. I ate a simple breakfast and set out. I stopped at the door to take one last look at my hut. I turned around and stepped out into the day's early light. The world was just waking. The smell of the dew on the grass filled my nose. The morning sun shone off each droplet making them shine like diamonds. The birds sang the song of dawn. It was absolutely angelic. I realized that I never took the time to really experience the world around me. So I took a few moments to take it all in.
I felt renewed. I was ready to start anew. There was a whole world out there to explore on my way to the human cities. I started walking the path through the center of the village that lead out into the Wolf Fields. I was almost at the edge of the village when I ran into Lilly again. Great. This is just the way I want to remember the village...
"Why did it change? Who said it could change? I don't want to be a virgin! I won't accept it. I'm just gonna keep being a Lion. I'm not a virgin! STEVEN?!!" Lilly seemed very upset. It was probably best not to respond. So I just tried to not meet her gaze and walked on, carefully. Thankfully something distracted her and she wandered off. Phew, that was a close one.
I made it to the end of the path, signifying the edge of the village. I turned back and waved good-bye to what had been my home for my entire life. I then turned around and set off through the fields. Not having a map, I just went where I felt like going. I allowed my heart to lead the way. I had a feeling that I wouldn't be taking a direct line to the human cities. I chose not to take the established trade route. That would have been boring. I needed adventure as much as I needed a new place to make a new start.
It took the rest of the day to make it to the edge of the wolf fields. The fields were bordered by the Snake River. I'd have to find a crossing. But for now, I would set up camp.
