"What's the pattern?" It was the most pertinent question, a pattern was promising, it could be jotted down in one of her notebooks to be picked over. As piqued as her curiosity was, the concern on her face and in her voice was unmistakable.

"I remember being on the shore of the lake long enough to dry my clothes and hair, no longer than ten minutes at the most - but she wasn't with anyone. She told me she was on her way to the trials and brought me with her while she told me what I was doing here, and how I was meant to go east with the rest of you to get home."