The sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the landscape as Manon Bannerman stood at the edge of town. A cool breeze carried the scent of distant pine trees, rustling the hem of her worn cloak. She adjusted the strap of her satchel, feeling the weight of whatever contents it held against her hip. In the distance, a bird called, its cry echoing across the quietening fields. Manon took a deep breath, steeling herself for whatever lay ahead beyond the familiar borders of the village.

She had lingered longer than intended, but the decision to leave had been difficult. Now, with the first stars beginning to twinkle in the darkening sky, there was no turning back. The path before her stretched into darkness, barely visible in the fading light. Each step would take her further from everything she had known, into unknown territory with uncertain dangers and opportunities.

Manon tightened her grip on the hilt of the small dagger at her waist, more for reassurance than any immediate threat. Her boots crunched on the gravel path as she took her first determined step away from the only home she had ever known, the cool night air nipping at her cheeks as she ventured forward into the unknown.