Laraloz

"In the forest beyond the horizon, the mountain waiting to be climbed, the new land across the endless sea."
-The Wayfarer's Bauble

Many used to seek the world outside of the city; There were wonders and dangers that the bored denizens of luxury and safety sought with ever increasing desperation, and many found their need to be more than just another citizen satisified as something uncaring and cruel decided they were little more than lunch.

Of course, the city was not unforgiving. Those who found death outside it's walls, no matter how deserved, would find themselves transported back home. They would be safe and sound, though bereft of all that they have brought or found outside. Those who woke up in the station were often sheepish, relating choices that, in hindsight, were not of the highest quality. Others would rave and shout for their companions, whether due to the investments placed on the creatures or some misguided notion of friendship, and the ranger would sedate them with a shiny needle beaded with a clear substance before seeing to their transfer back to the kennels.

She had warned them, every last one, from those who planned to leave carrying nothing other than what they wore on their backs to those forming caravans that would tempt even the most cautious bandit. She told them of the dangers, that the only thing they could not lose in their travels was their life. Still they went, and still they complained to her when they were not of the lucky few, merchants with set paths or seasoned adventurers who knew what to bring. They wanted treasure and glory, and all she could do was nod as she gently escorted them outside.

And then the order had come. Not a simple request, no, that might have been ignored by herself and those who truly had a taste for the wilds. Not a demand from some upstart, the silly council that had elected themselves in charge of the city having no power beyond the horrible clusters of buildings. It had come from the labs before they fell silent, a command that stated anyone could enter the city, but none could leave it.

She obeyed, but as the days dragged into months, she could not hep but fantasize of leaving the little gatehouse for the world beyond. Citizens came and demanded the right to pass, and those who tried to force their way through with threats were waved to walk past with a smile plastered on her face, only to find themselves re-entering the city. She however knew of an old smuggler's route, a damaged patch of fence that let anyone sneak past her and any other fool that came to waste her time.

The piles of ash she found there, the bits of grey bone that failed to fall to the fires, sent her scuttling back to the gatehouse with her pack. One day. One day the labs would let them explore again. They would not take from those trapped in the city their only escape?

Her only escape?