“It’s good to be realistic. What your sayin’ gives me more faith than someone spoutin’ false confidences. And hopefully you won’t find yourself tested.” That likelihood for that in this day and age seemed slim but Forest had a little optimism still left in him. Forest listened as Lex went on to answer his question about Mason, and while he frowned, he couldn’t really blame him. Forest couldn’t imagine that Lex had done much to provoke the other fellow and you don’t get to come back from holding a knife to someone’s throat. Forest didn’t take those sort of chances anymore either.<br/><br/>“Could see how anyone might be a little troubled by that. It all takes its toll. Whatever choices we make. I’ll put in a word to God on his behalf. Can only hope he’ll get back to the person he used to be but I don’t really know if that’s possible for all of us at this point.” Forest smiled somberly and stepped up to take a few shots himself. It felt good to shoot at something where life and death weren’t at stake. The horses weren’t bothered by the gunfire, long since desensitized to it. Things were less serious after that, for a time. Peaceful. They took their time and enjoyed being away from the farm and the current issues but eventually it was time to head back. Didn’t want to lose daylight.<br/><br/>They mounted back up and Forest took them out the same way they had come. Conversation flowed between them and for a little while the farmer was at ease. That was until they all but stumbled on top of a small group of travelers. One guy just out taking a quiet piss but then he was hollering for the others. They were too close to the farm for comfort. Forest pulled his horse up short and came in beside Lex, grabbing hold of the mare’s rein, his face serious again, forming lines that made him seem older than his age. His other hand went to rest on his gun. They hadn’t made a move to grab for their own weapons, just looked a bit startled. Three men on foot, looking like they were taking a break to rest from their travels. They were dirty, worn down. One of them came forward a step while the other got his pants zipped up and buttoned.<br/><br/>“Well hell,” he said, marveling at the animals they were astride. He seemed to catch Forest’s defensive body language and the hand ready to draw. “Easy.” He put his hands up in a placating manner, looking the two of them over. “Just trying to make it in this world same as you.”<br/><br/>Forest didn’t relax but some conversation was exchanged. They asked if they had a place somewhere. Forest lied and said that they didn’t, gathering that they hadn’t seen the farm yet but that was only a matter of time if they kept on wandering. Once the obligated pleasantries were over and dealt with Forest started to get them on their way again, pointing Lex off, only he was pointing him in a direction that would take them away from the farm. He kept his eyes on the men, unwilling to have both their backs turned to the strangers. When Lex was a little ways ahead Forest kicked his horse in a lope to catch up, coming in close.<br/><br/>“They’re gonna follow us. We’re too clean. Not enough supplies packed on the horses.” They were going to have to lead them away from the farm, lose them somewhere. “Not going to be able to go back tonight. Not until we know they moved on.”