She was rather taken by her book, her eyes scanning across the pages as she leaned against a tree. She was one of the only people in her small town that actually enjoyed reading as a hobby, the rest day it’s a waste of time and materials that could be used for fire. She loves them, however. It provided her with an escape from the hellish world she was born into. She turned a page, her legs crossed over one another before she flickered her eyes up to glance around. She did a double taken tilting her head as she saw the Strider out and walking around the town. He looked young, her age even, and she was tempted to go up and introduce herself. She stood, brushing off her legs and tucked her book under her arm. But, once again, she was interrupted by her brother. He seemed a bit out of breath this time, jogging up to her.<br/><br/>Oliver was three years older than her, and though their hair were two completely different colors, they shared the same vibrant, green eyes. He was her best friend, her only friend, they took care of each other when their parents failed to do so. Not by choice, of course, sometimes taking care of two children in this world was hard work.<br/><br/>“Hey, Lia, listen.” He placed his hand on her shoulder, spinning her to him. “Listen... Thomas is sick, and it doesn’t look good right now. We lost a lot with that raid, so I’m going to run up to the next town over to grab some medicine, Okay? I just—“<br/><br/>Malia interrupted him before he could finish, shaking her head.<br/>“No, no way. You’re not going out there alone, I’ll come with you.” She offered sternly, earning a rejection.<br/><br/>“No, you’ll stay here. Who else would annoy the strider but you? Look, I’ll be quick, I promise. I’ll be back by tomorrow, Okay?” He was talking lowly, clearly not wanting the strider, or anyone for that matter to know. “Stay here and take care of mom, and here.” He passed her a pin that he kept with him.<br/><br/>She didn’t want him going, the last time he went out he nearly got himself killed. But nonetheless, they not shared the same stubborn bloodline and, before she knew it, he was jogging off in the direction of the hole in their fences they found last year.<br/><br/>“Oliver!” She started after him, but someone grabbed her arm. She growled and ripped her arm away, shaking her head and starting away from her house. Everyone in the town was warily watching the strider, keeping their families away if possible. They didn’t understand that striders were people as well, they just knew their reputation. However, her conquest for befriending the strider was momentarily forgotten as she slung a backpack over her shoulder, fully intending on following her brother. She brushed past the strider, earning looks of confusion from the other residents.  She had a small reputation for getting frustrated, so some people brushed it off. But those who paid enough attention, it was clear her intentions weren’t very wise.<br/><br/>The world outside their walls was beyond dangerous, and venturing past the territory wasn’t allowed. Of course, that was only if you got caught