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Saxen let out a harsh bark of laughter at Ayle’s words. The sword in his hands was hardly comforting. A little piece of steel against the might of the forest? He didn’t like the odds. “As if it will do any good here.” He said; voice hoarse and his tone bitter.

He stood, glad that at least his legs did not shake, and sheathed his sword. His gaze drifted across each face in the group and he fought back a rush of sadness. Would they even make it out alive? How were the other groups faring right now?

Well, no point in thinking about that. It was time to start walking. There really wasn’t any other choice. “Let’s go…” With a sigh he simply started moving, expecting the others to either follow or be left behind.

Though there was no doubt his sense of direction had been warped completely, he decided to lead them towards what he hoped was the way back home and pray he wasn’t taking them deeper into the forest instead.

Everyone looked just as bad as she felt. Some worse actually. Steel.. Aoife only had a tiny dagger with her and she knew that would be no help out here at all.

They were all here and that is what really counted. They were out here to find others, not to loose people. All thoughts of picking up some extra plants had left her. Maybe if she felt less hurried she would remember but no, not now.

Aoife agreed with the idea to keep moving. Staying in one place would be bad. They were moving last time when this happened, who could tell what would happen if they were just sitting around. She took a deep breath before getting back to her place in their line.

It was when the other started to talk she realized that they had a new group member. Completely lost was an understatement. Sola though, that sounded familiar. That was their other group member wasn't it? "I'm Aiofe. That's Ayle, Saxen, and Wiggy." She pointed to each of them in turn. Aoife went silent, she didn't want to discuss the fact they were lost.

"It's a pleasure," Sola replied, not wanting to be unsociable in this strained atmosphere, as uncomfortable as she was continuing this conversation. She looked around as she walked, marveling at the forest. Her fear and desperation had ebbed - as surprised and as lost as she was, Sola had her fair share of being captured by the harsh world around her. In her childhood, she had often gotten lost in the deeper parts of caves she never should have been exploring. Her father would find her every time, quietly sobbing under a lamp, promising herself she would never go into the caves again. It was the only promise she kept breaking. The forest was... Somehow, both better and worse than the caves. Here, you could at least the sky and some tiny splotches of color instead of the never-ending darkness of the caves. And she was with other people. Scared, hopeless people, but people none the less. So there was really no reason she should feel even a worm of doubt, except...

Except the caves never seemed alive.

And that's what the forest was. Alive.

The thought was terrifying yet captivating at the same time.

It was not, however, a good thought to voice aloud. So Sola voiced another one: "Perhaps we should stop. Take some time to gather our bearings. If there is one thing I know about being lost, it's that you should never let panic, desperation, or apathy control you. Even if we're in the middle of the forest, and there is no way we can figure out what way to walk, it would help all of us to feel safer if we choose the way we want to go. If the Spirits are angry with us, they can take us even if we are moving. Stopping to decide on a direction will help us feel at least a bit in control, at least."

Sola never let her voice rise above her normal, soft tone as not to provoke anger from any of her companions. She wanted to help, not to make the situation worse.

"What difference does it make if we stop? Do you think the Wood cares whether we stop or keep walking? It'll shift, or take us, all the same. Regardless of what we do. If you remember, I was moving towards you when we were whisked away, and that didn't help me. I think it's better to stop for a while, calm down, and talk to each other. So that we can understand that we are not alone, at least."

Sola looked the blacksmith in his eyes, trying to let her point reach the man's mind.

Sola frowned. The man in the lead was obviously taking her words the wrong way, and his manner showed signs of aggression.

"If it makes anyone here feel better, then yes, I suggest we hold hands. As for stopping by myself, you know that is not an option. I would not stop by myself for the very same reason you just waited for everyone to catch up to your pace, which is frightfully tiring, in case you haven't noticed. No one wants to be alone in the Blackwood."

The gatherer sighed and closed her eyes for a second before regretfully shaking her head and starting to walk faster. "I do not wish to step on anyone's toes, and some here are obviously against stopping for some reason I can not fathom. I will go with you - I only ask you lessen your angry pace, so that we do not get exhausted after the first hour."

She stayed quite for a while and just listened. Listened to the others talking and the forest. "I'd rather not stop either." She wasn't a fan of either really, stopping or continuing. The idea of holding hands did make her grin just a little. That was needed, keep her mind off of things.

Great, why did they have to mention death. "Well that's a fine wonderful thought." Her own steps slowed up to match the leaders.

Saxen looked sideways at Ayle. Even after a minute spent inspecting the others face, he couldn’t decide if the other man was mocking him or genuinely offering comfort. He realized, with a sigh, that any small comfort would be welcomed if it soothed his nerves. If he let himself feel defeated now, there would definitely be no chance.

He looked forward again, but not before reaching out to grasp Ayle’s gloved hand in his own.