The hours had never passed so fast. Granted, she didn't have a day's worth of memories yet to compare that statement with anything, but still. Ti'pahn had bequeathed to them their new identities, she finished her nap, woke up to Kenth needing a change, read a single page in the book about modern Darshal history, and the next thing Lydie knew Ti'pahn returned with a long strapped leather bag. Inside were old clothes and shoes belonging to his mother and sister as well as new ones for Kenth he'd bought at a store. Neither he'd let her deny. Nor the cloth for Kenth's diapers or the pouch of money he set in her hand. He even pulled from the bag a white lace handkerchief when her eyes grew misty. After that, there could be no more delay. He performed one more unnecessary checkup before telling her to get dressed as it was time to leave.

Now here she stood. Terrified and unsure of what the remainder of the day would bring, Lydie donned a two part dress of heartier make and simpler cut than the others. A cream colored upper layer with a deep V styled neck line, loose elbow length sleeves, and an attached belt that wrapped around her waist lay harmoniously above a bottom layer of pale orange with long, fitted sleeves and a high collar. Worn though study leather boots a tad too big warmed her feet while Kenth watched her shift weight from foot to foot contemplatively in a basic blue shirt and brown pants with matching shoes. A separate long line of cloth lay misshapen on the bed after multiple failed attempts at affixing on her body, and its utter refusal to cooperate with her wishes prompted a suffocating sigh as Ti’pahn re-entered her little area.

“I’m sorry,” she apologized before he could say a word, “I know you showed me how to do this yesterday, but I can’t recall how to wrap it properly.”

“Here.” he smiled patiently.

With his knowledge and skill, in hardly more than several breaths the cloth wound around her to form a comfy pouch on her back in which Ti’pahn then placed Kenth.

“It merely takes practice. I wrote down the instructions and placed them with your identification.”

“You are too kind, Ti’pahn.”

“This is my job, and this is why I took this job. To help those who need help. I haven’t been able to do enough of that lately, although that will change, so it has been a pleasure to successfully fulfill my role.”

“What’s changing?” Lydie wondered.

“I will explain in a moment. The officers do want to see you at least out of the patient wing. However, they shouldn’t mind if we talk by the door.”

Slinging her bag over his shoulder, with a guiding arm he took the two on the beginning of their adventure. Or the beginning of their doom. It could go either way. Passing the old man, Lydie returned the encouraging nod he gave. Ti’pahn opened the door past the smaller hallway full of rooms where one could relieve oneself inside. That was when they entered the area Lydie had yet to be. Honestly, it was nothing spectacular. The square-shaped area contained doors and hallway entrances. Most rooms were offices, and down the pathways were more patient wings. The one directly on the other side, however, appeared to be a surgery wing. A glass door on the left led to an open area, perhaps a courtyard, and it was across from this door Ti’pahn took her. A small entranceway with another glass door greeted them― as did the two officers. The intimidating figures said nothing. They merely gave her a thorough glance before finally appearing appeased and walking further back inside.

“I’m sure they’ll demand another meal be made for them even though they no longer have a reason to be here,” Ti’pahn rebuked once they were out of earshot, “You think they’d be satisfied with coercing Russe to send me away.”

“What?” Lydie remarked, aghast.

“Oh, don’t worry. I’m most happy about it. You see, the officers felt, due to this stressful time of war, that I should still be punished for my disregard of the missive despite it being perfectly legal to take you in. They bothered Russe enough about the matter until he went ahead and decided to order me to help heal the soldiers at the fighting lines up north.”

“And you’re happy about that?”

“I am. I told you, all these new missives and rules have made it damn near impossible to help the people who actually need help. At the lines, I can put my talents to real work once again. My brother is already there doing the same thing, so it will be good to see him. There’s no real risk of danger either. The battles are as orderly as far as battles can be to prevent non-soldier casualties, and Mescaria has never been a country to slaughter those who preserve life. If anything does go wrong, the worst they’ll do is make me heal their men instead.” Ti’pahn shrugged.

“Still…you didn’t do anything wrong. I thought you said workers of the law bullying their way around was punished harshly.”

“It is. Don’t worry about that either,” Ti’pahn smiled impishly, “You wouldn’t know, but it’s easy to tell from the decorations on the officers’ uniforms that they’re newly ranked. Low ranked as well. They’re strutting about their power for the first time, and it’s going to come back to bite them hard. I’ve already sent a letter of complaint to Suraryl, and with my family about to move there they’ll make sure it’s received loudly. The capital will know they need to reign in their unruly men, and that I am not heading to the border because I was told but because I chose to do so.”

“You’re my inspiration.” Lydie beamed with a friendly tease to her voice.

“I am glad you are inspired. Hold on to whatever positive emotions you can find,” Ti’pahn willed before growing solemn, “For now I must release you. I’ve done what I can, but what happens is in your hands now. The only thing still within my power to do is tell you to head to the Lavenmore Inn on Respite Way in the Fourth District. Just follow the big road off this way towards the right north for about twenty minutes, take a left onto the road with the large fountain with three levels, and then take a right where there’s a quillick meat seller on the corner. The inn will be on the right. The owner, Vertinac, can be, well, not the most outwardly accommodating. He’ll most likely try to charge you more for a room. The price for a room and dinner for you and Kenth should only be a nell per day. However, his inn the best combination of low price and acceptable service. If he tries to push you for more, say you’re going to go to the Cham’l Inn instead. Vertinac has a terrible rivalry with the owner there. Don’t overdo the threat too much or else Vertinac will cease to care, but that should be enough to stop whatever nonsense he’ll try to push on you. Other than that…”

Lydie melted away the heavy lines of worry and guilt on his brow with a deep embrace. Ti’pahn chuckled, patted her on the shoulder, and ruffled Kenth’s hair before taking a step back.

“I wish you all the luck in the world. You’re a strong young woman with a fire in her chest who deserves more than the sad lot life has placed before you.”

“Thank you. I’ll do my best.” Lydie promised determinedly.

“I know you will. And you,” Ti’pahn peeked over to look at Kenth, “You’re already an unusually cooperative baby, but still try not to give Lydie too much trouble, huh? Grow up to be a good lad.”

Kenth grasped the hand Ti’pahn held out to ruffle his hair once again, and with a big smile and little laugh Kenth shook it playfully. A laugh of her own parted her lips only to stay open for words she wished not to speak.

“I wish you luck too. You say it will be fine, but make sure you stay safe. The world is better off with you. It is because of you I can stand here not completely a mess, and it is because of you I can now say farewell and be on my way.”

“Farewell, Lydie. Walk tall.”

That was easier said than done, especially once Ti’pahn slipped the leather bag over her shoulder. Kenth’s weight on her back already stiffened her muscles, and over twenty minutes of walking with both him and their meager belongings now came to the forefront of her mind as the main problem in her path. However, with no other options Lydie spun on her heel to leave behind the thousand and one more words she wished to express with her friend. She didn’t glance back lest her composure depart in an instant. With shoulders straightened and her head held aloft, away Lydie walked through the front door of the healing ward.