Swiftcurrent Creek Out in the garden

Her gaze lifted, turning to the older man with surprise as he broke the silence though it was not unwelcome. 

"Beyon' here," she answered simply, cheeks flushing with embarrassment at the vague answer, "we lived alone, my parents an I. If it had a name they never shared it with me. It was but a forest east of these lands. I traveled west and arrived here," she concluded softly. 

Guilt curled around her heart as her thoughts turned to Aimee. She'd omitted the girl's death, for obvious reasons, yet she couldn't help thinking of her often. She'd been like a little sister, a daughter. Issy had saved her only to watch her die; it was her greatest shame - that she had indirectly caused Aimee's death.

If you'd left her be, she'd be hurt but alive at least. You should know by now, you ruin everything you touch.

"What of you? Where did you call home?" She asked suddenly to distract herself from the grief.