[b]Miriam
Chapter 21: Decision[/b]

Miriam stroke her hand across the tunic, the fabric was soft but still warm, it dragged out past her hip and its sleeves were loosely dangling past her hands, Miriam didn't like its red and white colour either. Not that style had ever been her concern though she was much more comfortable in something dark and this soldier's piece of fabric was clearly not her type. She did admit it was warm, and lighter than her usual shirt, which lay on the ground closeby, heavy and damp from their trip through the swamp. Miriam didn't bother tucking her new shirt and instead let it dangle over her belt in a loose fashion. She dragged a hand through her hair, finding the thick curls intertwined and messy beyond belief. Using a piece of wiring she pulled the hair into a more convenient yet rigid ponytail behind her head where it wouldn't bother her. Tallof had made sure that she was feeling alright, that she wasn't suffering any after effects and that she was recuperating as she should. He inspected her finished bowl of soup and smiled, content with the progress of Miriam's recuperation, he'd then fed Leia something, Miriam could not see what as the dog had snatched it and ran off to gobble it up heartily before she could get a look. Tallof had then left and said that Miriam was free to go as she pleased, so she did.

The fort was bustling with activity, soldiers walked by and the clanking and shuffling of armour and weapons were evident throughout. Leia was clearly displeased with the amount of noise, the dog staying close to Miriam's side as they strolled down the muddy path. The sky seemed brighter than it had in the marsh, Miriam adjusted her new tunic and frowned, feeling very much out of place. No one seemed to spare her much attention though, they walked past her as if she was one of their own, though her black hair did draw a suspicious eye from time to time, as did her rare dog. But an eye was all, no one spoke with the huntress as she walked and Miriam was glad for it, the last thing that she wanted was to converse with these people. Miriam walked around the stables, soldiers were shoeing their horses and repairing doodads in the wooden building. They were preparing to move, Miriam assumed. She passed them and came to the fort's northern entrance, their tents had been in the lower courtyard which was shadowed by the high southern walls, that pointed to the marshes. Miriam looked out into the north, marshes that direction as well though not as deadly as the southern counterpart. The bog rolled on for miles, Miriam did not know them as well as she did the woods or the mountains but she did not doubt her sense of direction any longer and going back the way they had come wouldn't be an issue now. Just her and Leia could make it back to Lowburg, or Hunter's Hill or even as far as Letaric's Landing without any problem. These places were just an horizon away, all that she needed to do was take that first step and pass the arch. She looked over her shoulder and back into the bustling camp. Eliana was somewhere in there, close to her own tent, Tallof had said she could visit if she'd like but Miriam hadn't done that. She wasn't sure why she had chosen not to check on Ellie, but talking to people was something she knew she did not enjoy doing, and from the way Tallof had explained it Eliana was hurt, and needed someone to talk to, someone to confide in. Miriam struck herself off that list, she'd gotten both Eliana and Freda this far, hadn't she? Whatever debt she had to the Spirit Walker must have been paid, and there was nothing here to keep her. This adventure had not been what Miriam imagined, she'd just followed Eliana out of curiosity but that decision had nearly gotten her killed thrice, maybe four times now. One step outside, that was all and she could leave it all behind. Freda didn't need her here either, Miriam thought to herself. The Princess could just wave a hand and some guards would get rid of the pesky huntress, she might as well. What more could she do anyway? Miriam's solemn thinking was cut off as Leia barked at her side, she twitched and peered down at the dog.
	"What?" Leia did not reply. She only met Miriam's gaze and stuck her tongue out, panting happily.
	"Yeah, you're right..." Sighed Miriam, laying a hand over the dog's head. "You're right - I'll talk to her. I'll be... supportive." Miriam turned, she nodded her head and gestured Leia to follow, as she walked back the way she had come, to find where her friend was waiting. She needed to see her at least. Before she left.